And now I gaze upon these hills and forests and flowers with a melancholy sigh. As a visitor from Texas, I came from an area that is brown, dusty, with a hot sun and tumbleweeds to a place that emanates growth. Everywhere there are green hills, forests, valleys. I can drive 10 minutes and come to a beautiful, cold, clear river (so clear I can see the fish). There is so much beauty here, in the Northwest, and I remember how easy it was to take it for granted - to miss it entirely.
Maybe sometimes it takes something harsh and rugged to make me appreciate something so naturally beautiful. Maybe it takes living in the desert to appreciate the coolness of water, the drops of rain. It takes being surrounded by 15 shades of brown for years to appreciate 4 days in a place lit by color.
It has been said that in order to see beauty, we must see what is not beautiful. In order to understand what is good, we must encounter difficulty. It is an interesting idea, a thought to be pondered. I do know that while I am here, I feel as if I have been given new eyes, a new way to see this place. I am awed, while those around me are bored.
I wish I could take just that feeling back with me - the feeling of appreciation for the beauty surrounding me. The ability to see what is special in that which I pass every day. I know there is exquisite loveliness that can be found in the plains. I want new eyes to see that too.
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Texas has its rolling plains and endless skies. The sunsets can take your breath away. Washington has white capped mountains, lush rain-forests, and crystal clear waterfalls. I know that there are Texans who will vouch for their state's beauty, and some North Westerners who can't stand the 280 days of rain.
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Each creation has been lovingly carved and designed by Omnipotent Perfection, and He is the most Beautiful of All. Jesus, please give me new eyes so that I can see You more clearly, and in seeing You more clearly, be able to appreciate this world in which you have placed me.
3 comments:
I read recently to not "accumlate possessions, but to accumulate experiences". So true.
I also miss the rolling hills and colors of WV, but I know God has a purpose for me here. (Not that Florida is as brown and barren as Texas.)
Mark
Beautiful pictures, Amanda. I agree with what you shared. Too often, we're reminiscing of the beauty we took for granted.
The trick is to take a step back once in a while to look for and appreciate the beauty you have around you, no matter where you are. I'm trying to learn that here in hot & humid Singapore. We have no natural scenery. :)
By the way, is it ok if I linked you?
Mark - I totally understand that quote. These last couple of days I have been literally trying to hang on to every moment here. Time flies so quickly when you least want it to! :)
Daryl - of course you can link. I love that song playing on your blog, btw.
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