The Beauty That Surrounds Us

 

  I was taking a bike ride a couple of weeks ago when I passed by this field.  "Wow! That's absolutely beautiful!"  I thought to myself.  

  I showed the picture to my kids and they responded similarly.  "Where is that field at?"  They were surprised when I told them it was near the entrance of our subdivision.  Beauty isn't just in the eye of the beholder, it sometimes depends on what time your eyes are opened.

  It's easy to take for granted the beauty that surrounds us every day. Beautiful friendships, a loving family, good health, or financial stability may go unnoticed or underappreciated until one day they are gone. I rode by that same field today and most of the flowers have faded and simply blend in with the foliage.

 Whether we are surrounded by beauty or we find ourselves being choked by life's weeds, the Lord expects us to bloom. During the seasons when we are not "flowering", God is still showering us with graces and fertilizing the roots of our faith. Sometimes we may not even realize that the seeds of our faith have become attached to others and will bloom without us ever knowing.  God is always working through and around us even if it looks like our current circumstances are dormant or trampled upon.

  Today, whether you are gloriously blooming or feeling a bit wilted, go out and hold your head up high.  Look towards the heavens and tell God, "I am firmly planted in Your Love, and I trust the seasons and pruning to you, O Lord! My life is in your hands. Allow me to notice and appreciate the beauty of my life.!"

-Susan