We think it is the big moments that define our lives - the wedding,
the baby, the new house, the dream job. But really these big moments of
happiness are just punctuation marks. The narrative is written every day
in the small and simple.
Sarah Ban Breathnach, Author of Simple Abundance
Don't get me wrong: I look forward to big moments, too (especially a wedding coming in 2022 for our family!)
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Brent & Susan - newly engaged!!
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But
I also appreciate the not-so-monumental times ... like rides to the
pasture to replace the fence charger battery with my favorite farmer and
some pretty scenes from Rattlesnake Creek.
The
sunrises and sunsets from the Kansas flatlands may not have universal
appeal like those from a mountain-top or from a sandy beach, but they are
still moments to savor.
And they are a reminder to be thankful. I follow The Farmer's Daughter
on Facebook. She has finished a round of chemo for cancer, and I was
struck by the post she shared on her birthday last month:
This
past year was tumultuous and upending and trying. I stared death in the
face more times than I care to admit. And I finally understand that
growing older is a blessing. An absolute blessing.
Folks, life is short.
Don't waste your time angry.
Prioritize the people you love.
Be kind.
Put down your phone.
Enjoy the sunsets.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Slow down.
Be present.
Love.
Those are powerful words ... and a reminder to not let the little moments pass me by.
The message was reinforced with one of my daily email devotionals:
A Time to Think
If you begin to live life looking for the God that
is all around you, every moment becomes a prayer.
–Frank Bianco, U.S.
journalist and photographer
Thankfully, the Kansas sunsets provide plenty of free beauty - just for the taking.
The
sunset one evening seemed creased by a jet moving through gold-tinged
clouds. And I hoped that the passengers were appreciating the view, too.
Simplify, slow down, be kind. And don't forget to have art in your life - music, paintings, theater, dance and sunsets.
Eric Carle
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| A close-up of the clouds as the sun played hide and seek |
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Good advice, don't you think?
Congratulations to Brent and Susan.
ReplyDeleteYour words resonate in my heart. So much beauty to be found in every day without a price tag, especially in these covid times.
We are excited about the wedding. Though we already feel like Susan is part of the family, we are thrilled to make it official.
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