Aug 3, 2013

Beautiful Moments

Yesterday, as I was drving home alone, in my van, I noticed the beautiful sky.  It was brilliant.  I wish I had my camera, I would have taken a picture.  The sky was filled with big, fluffy, grey clouds, and in one spot the sun was shining down through an opening.  The sun rays were radiantly gleaming down through one little opening.  It was breath taking.  At that moment, tears came to my eyes, as I contemplated the beauty that God has given us.  I often forget this.
I currently live in a small town that I am NOT very fond of.  It is brown and dead.  There is not a lot of beauty to be had here.  I often find myself trying to find beauty because it helps me feel better about living here.  Upon first glance, it is not easy to find (in my opinion).  I mean brown dirt, tumble weeds that go on and on forever, and garbage EVERYWHERE! 
I find it easier and easier to find though, as I take the time to look for it.  I've started pointing it out to my children as well, so that they can learn to find beauty, even in places that may not seem likely.
I know I need to look for the beauty now.  I find myself getting discouraged or even angry with this town.  I find myself counting down the time we have left here, thinking to myself, that "life" will be better once we move to where we want to be.  My father-in-law said something profound, and I've kept it with me, especially in times of sadness or frustration.  He told me that one of his regrets was always having the mindset that life would be so much better when...the kids started school, or when they moved out of the house, or when he retired.  He told me to stop thinking that way.  I know we all get caught up in that at some point.  I used to think life would get so much better when I owned my own home.  Then we got one.  Don't get me wrong, it was great, but it didn't really matter.  When I told him life would get so much better when we could move away from this town I live in....he told me his regrets.  Of always thinking life would be better when.....  I don't want to waste my life away thinking life will be better when, I want to cherish the moments that are occurring right now.  It's hard.  It's hard to think like that when things are hard.  But I find that when I try to find the things that are good....life gets easier, and definitely more enjoyable. 
So here's to noticing the beauty around us, and all the positive things in our lives.  I'm so grateful for the beautiful landscape that surrounds me.  It has it's own raw, deserted beauty.  I'm grateful for my children's belly giggles, that brighten my day the minute I hear them.  I'm thankful that my husband has a job to support us and that he is such a hard worker.  And lastly, I am grateful for God's love for all of us.  I would be so off balance without this knowledge. 


XO,
Amber

2 comments:

  1. Amber, this post is absolutely beautiful. I'm so glad I read it this morning. Such a good reminder to find the beauty in everything. :) I love what your father in law said, too. So true.

    xo

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    1. Yay! You are the very FIRST person that has commented on my blog! I LOVE IT! Thanks Katie! I LOVE your blog, it's one of my favorites!
      Xo

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