I was driving through what must be one of the bleakest spots in America the other day: the Arizona/California border. After a week of cousin fun, I had just returned my brother's children to him. We had met halfway in remote Chiriaco Summit. As I set off back toward Blythe, the sun was setting behind me. I raised my eyes from the monotony of the road, and was surprised to see the distant mountains glowing in the golden evening light. It took my breath away. It was so gorgeous.
In that unfortunate place, I saw this overwhelming beauty. It made me realize that if such beauty could exist there in that lonely desert, then surely it was everywhere, not least of all in my own life. Now, I knew all of this before the sun started it's downward trek that day, but I needed a reminder. Sometimes in the midst of the busyness, beauty goes unnoticed. I would like to make a better effort to recognize the little bits of beauty in my life this year. Hopefully I can capture some of it to share here.
The longer I drove and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that God and beauty are the same to me. When I recognize those moments of beauty, I am recognizing His hand in my life, and feeling His love for me. After all, He designed this world, and I believe that He knows each of us and wants to bless us with His love. If I can stop for a minute and recognize those moments, then I am acknowledging Him and hopefully showing my gratitude for the things He has given me.
So, I am officially adding "find beauty" to my little list of resolutions. I think it's going to be a pretty great year.
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ReplyDeleteOh, I love this! What a wonderful reminder that the most beautiful blessings are found in the simplest things. Thank you for the things you notice and for a wonderful post today.
ReplyDeleteThat is a truly bleak area, as is much of the Mojave desert. Needles and Yuma as well. But the light changes the looks of each range of hills through the day and makes them fun to watch as you drive along. Sunset is an especially short beautiful time on the desert.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts Steph.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou may not believe me, but all of your posts show how you already "found beauty". You have a wonderful gift for that Stephanie. I am so thankful I was blessed to find your blog this past year.
ReplyDeleteI love this--it's true that "all things denote that there is a God". Alma was right on. This morning I taught my kids "I Feel My Savior's Love" and then the primary scripture for the month (Romans 8:16) and so reading this post is so timely. I like what Kathleen said. You really are good at this already, but I look forward to your findings! Have you heard of Rachel Carson's "Sense of Wonder"? You'd love it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your friends that you are already good at this, but sometimes acknowledging it to others makes it even more beautiful. We are so similar in our emotionalness over things like this. I think we get it from mom. :)
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