Wow. Just Wow. That was my reaction when I took my daughter's advice and went out to look at the sunset. We have some beautiful sunsets here in Kansas, a few that I have been lucky enough to capture, but this one seemed to outdo itself. I just couldn't stop taking pictures and looking at this beautiful site from many angles in our yard. It was one of those moments that almost took my breath away. I was thankful I made the effort to emerge from my comfy recliner to check out the view. It was a reward for my efforts but provided some lessons too.
The old saying "get out of your box" is merely a metaphor for encouraging you to step away from what is always comfortable and familiar. My recliner is one of those places for me. I sit in my chair to drink coffee, watch TV, read, play or talk on my phone, and take an occasional nap. It is "my" chair and everyone who knows me knows that. It is my "go-to" place - a place of comfort and rest, but also a place that unfortunately encourages me to be sedentary, stuck inside, and less productive. Had it not been for the suggestion that nudged me to move - my view that evening would have been less than memorable and I would have missed witnessing God's masterpiece. Despite the pleasure we get from comfort and security, those feelings can also hold us back.
Timing is everything. After my daughter suggested I check out the sunset, I kind of rushed her off the phone because I truly wanted to see what she was talking about. If we would have kept talking (something we normally would do plenty of!), I would not have seen the peak of this gorgeous sunset. I think about the times I've said to my kids, or even my grandkids, "Just a minute." It makes me wonder how many perfect moments I've missed because I made them wait?
The sunset I witnessed occurred because of the lingering clouds that had produced rain and wind hours earlier. That brief storm gave us downed tree limbs and flipped flower pots that will require some unplanned clean up. But once again I was reminded that we can emerge from any storm with grace and beauty. Persevering through challenges has its rewards, including the new perspectives we gain as we reflect on our journey. Appreciating the beauty of the sunset allows us to examine how it came to be and understand that without the previously challenging or unpleasant experience, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy this breathtaking view.
It is my pleasure, and often my quest, to enjoy the beauty of this world we live in. Some of the best mountain views I have witnessed and captured required me to get off the road, out of the car, and usually down a winding and often rocky path. If we try to cruise through life on the interstates and major highways - always in the comfort of our cars and near food, fuel, and rest stops, or our favorite chairs, we are missing out on the best views and experiences. Cruise liners don't just sail around the ocean for days on end pointing out places of interest on the horizon. They stop at ports along the way, requiring passengers to disembark and get a closer look.
My husband and I are getting ready to travel again. We are planning to go to some popular sites along a well-traveled route, but we are also looking for those antique shops and lesser known places to discover. We learned a long time ago we have to get off the highway sometimes to discover the treasures.
While the rainbow is the promise of hope, the sunset is a beautiful reminder of our journey. We can and should appreciate each one. Every sunset is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of our day in preparation for the next leg of our journey. It is our challenge to get off the couch (or out of my comfy chair) and experience the richness that life has to offer. Help others. Make a difference. Work hard. Learn something new.
This is your invitation and reminder that there is a world out there waiting for you to see and actively participate. Your view may not be this spectacular everyday but your perspective might be. What will you DO today that makes the world a better place? Whatever it is, my wish for you is that you have many moments of "Wow. Just Wow."
The old saying "get out of your box" is merely a metaphor for encouraging you to step away from what is always comfortable and familiar. My recliner is one of those places for me. I sit in my chair to drink coffee, watch TV, read, play or talk on my phone, and take an occasional nap. It is "my" chair and everyone who knows me knows that. It is my "go-to" place - a place of comfort and rest, but also a place that unfortunately encourages me to be sedentary, stuck inside, and less productive. Had it not been for the suggestion that nudged me to move - my view that evening would have been less than memorable and I would have missed witnessing God's masterpiece. Despite the pleasure we get from comfort and security, those feelings can also hold us back.
Timing is everything. After my daughter suggested I check out the sunset, I kind of rushed her off the phone because I truly wanted to see what she was talking about. If we would have kept talking (something we normally would do plenty of!), I would not have seen the peak of this gorgeous sunset. I think about the times I've said to my kids, or even my grandkids, "Just a minute." It makes me wonder how many perfect moments I've missed because I made them wait?
The sunset I witnessed occurred because of the lingering clouds that had produced rain and wind hours earlier. That brief storm gave us downed tree limbs and flipped flower pots that will require some unplanned clean up. But once again I was reminded that we can emerge from any storm with grace and beauty. Persevering through challenges has its rewards, including the new perspectives we gain as we reflect on our journey. Appreciating the beauty of the sunset allows us to examine how it came to be and understand that without the previously challenging or unpleasant experience, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy this breathtaking view.
It is my pleasure, and often my quest, to enjoy the beauty of this world we live in. Some of the best mountain views I have witnessed and captured required me to get off the road, out of the car, and usually down a winding and often rocky path. If we try to cruise through life on the interstates and major highways - always in the comfort of our cars and near food, fuel, and rest stops, or our favorite chairs, we are missing out on the best views and experiences. Cruise liners don't just sail around the ocean for days on end pointing out places of interest on the horizon. They stop at ports along the way, requiring passengers to disembark and get a closer look.
My husband and I are getting ready to travel again. We are planning to go to some popular sites along a well-traveled route, but we are also looking for those antique shops and lesser known places to discover. We learned a long time ago we have to get off the highway sometimes to discover the treasures.
While the rainbow is the promise of hope, the sunset is a beautiful reminder of our journey. We can and should appreciate each one. Every sunset is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of our day in preparation for the next leg of our journey. It is our challenge to get off the couch (or out of my comfy chair) and experience the richness that life has to offer. Help others. Make a difference. Work hard. Learn something new.
This is your invitation and reminder that there is a world out there waiting for you to see and actively participate. Your view may not be this spectacular everyday but your perspective might be. What will you DO today that makes the world a better place? Whatever it is, my wish for you is that you have many moments of "Wow. Just Wow."
Another Favorite Wow View
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