In today’s world, it is easy to feel as if there is no time for any reflection…we live in two-earner households, with children and appointments and activities, and twenty-four hour news cycles, where you move from one thing to the next and fall into bed at 11 pm and wonder where your day went. And every now and then, things come together just right, and you are surprised by the majesty of simple things.
This has not been a fun week. Among other things, it has been a very busy week at work, I wasn’t able to do a weekly activity that helps keep me centered, and the stress and fatigue are screwing with my body in ways that aren’t good. But on the other hand, I got a new CD from my favoritist band in the whole wide world, and I am once again reminded why they have been doing this since I was in High School.
I also have had some not subtle reminders of how lucky I am to live here, where any time, beauty is likely to break out unannounced and take your breath away, even when you think you’re too cool or too jaded to be impressed by the work of creation. Twice this week, I have had sunrise views of Mt. Rainer, often framed by low clouds, that make even the hardened natives here fall silent and gape in awe. And three times, I’ve had sunsets that looked like God couldn’t decide if he wanted pink, magenta, or purple on the horizon behind the trees, and the strains of new music turned up to 11 left me speechless.
Some times its just nice to clear you head of the noise and just be. That, more than anything else is a perspective check that redirects your focus.
Taxes, Stupidity, and Death 
Oh I hear you! Lived in Kent for 7 years (and went to UW in the 80’s.) That view of Mt. Rainier was the only thing that would keep me going in the winter and fall.
But it wasn’t enough to keep me. Moved back to Spokane and have views of Mt. Spokane and rivers and nature and no traffic. Wouldn’t trade it for the Puget Sound for a million dollars.
We share the same beautiful sunsets in North Idaho without, as Supermom2000 said, the traffic and the the libbies.
My favorite view of Mt. R is from an airplane. Amazing!
BiW, good to see you taking a breath. Nice post indeed.
Nice post “BIC”.
I can still remember flying into Seattle late one night, full moon from the east, circling around Mt. Rainier somewhere below the peak in altitude, the mountain glowing in all its beauty. Was a sight I’ll never forget.
But believe it or not, I’ve been to Key West, Big Sur and Hawaii. And the prettiest sunsets I’ve ever seen are still out here on the plains.
It’s as if God said, “Okay people of Oklahoma – you got the shaft on the mountains and the surf – I’ll give you the most beautiful colored sunsets. 🙂
I hear you, BisW. The last two months have been very difficult/stressful for me, and my body has been letting me know it.
It is, most times, the simple things that refresh us. As much as I like to bitch about the cold and snow here in the NE, there is something remarkably beautiful and calming about a freshly snow-covered yard. I try to remember to enjoy for a few moments before I have to shatter the tranquility with my snowblower.
And in the last few months, I have made it a point, in my busy morning routine, to take a break. I pour myself that cup of coffee, go over and pull out a chair, and sit there and pet my dogs. No TV, radio, or other distractions (my wife isn’t usually up yet either). No asking the dogs for tricks or other training – just that soothing experience of interacting with devoted pets. It is extremely calming.
AD, believe it or not, I miss the snow sometimes.
There were times I was on camping trips or otherwise mucking about in the woods of Michigan, when I swear, if you’d stop walking so you didn’t have that grinding crunch from beneath your feet, the silence was deafening.
There is also something about the crisp air and the blanket of white that is very soothing. I swear that it significantly lowers my blood pressure.
Thank you for reminding us of some of the more important things in life. It surely is far too easy to get wrapped up in the comparatively trivial things that distract us from the more rewarding facets of our lives. “Center, Grasshopper, center and open yourself to your surroundings”.
Beautiful photos and message, BiW. Your expressions here immediately brought to mind one of my favorite hunks of Scripture, Psalm 121…
I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you–the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and your going both now and forevermore.
Without a doubt, when things get their worst for us personally, God is there with his Sovereignty, Strength, Faithfulness, and Wisdom. Nothing can overwhelm us when we allow Him to care for us.
Sunsets, mountains, owls hooting in the trees, wildlife that cross our paths, ocean waves, wind and breezes of fresh air… God’s pokes into our lives are His Serendipity. He reminds us that HE is everywhere, quietly whispering, I am the LORD. Calm down. Be quiet now. I will take care of this.
I’ll echo the statements of appreciating the silence,crispness and that something special of a scene of non-trampled snow.
Sadly it all to soon equals shoveling slipping on ice and gray slush,but for the special moment it is something special.
I also have to say that
It’s as if God said, “Okay people of Oklahoma – you got the shaft on the mountains and the surf – I’ll give you the most beautiful colored sunsets. made me chuckle.
It’s as if God said, “Okay people of Oklahoma – you got the shaft on the mountains and the surf – I’ll give you the most beautiful colored sunsets. made me chuckle.
Lots of Texas is like that too, I think. Got a laugh out of me too.