Finding life's beauty

By Ellen Shuck

Whoever said life was boring, humdrum, not worth living, or to just be endured? Many hold this view. When someone says, "Isn't this a beautiful day?" they answer, "What's good about it?"

It's true that some endure more hardships than others, enjoy fewer material possessions and experience more illness. Many are hungry, have lost spouses, children and other loved ones. It's easy to say, "Lots of people have it worse than we do" but one's life attainments or amount of love they receive, is different for everyone.

Have you noticed, though, it's often the individual who has the least material goods, has suffered most, and seemingly has the most meaningless life on the outside that is happiest? When will we learn that it's not what's on the outside that counts, but what we perceive through our inner eyes? Those eyes that can pierce the dawn, the rain and snow and the warm sunshine. You can complain about your surroundings or rejoice in what's there.

Life offers so much awe, enjoyment, learning, and beauty; I can't fathom all of it. When my husband and I go out and eat, I love watching the little birds hopping on the ground outside the windows. It's amazing how the little mouths grasp whatever food they can find. I think of the value God placed on those tiny beings. I think of the advice that God gave to his children.

"Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26} I not only see the beauty of the small nimble beings but I'm blessed as well. I experience God through the wonder. By using what we would call ordinary, God makes a point with something of which we're familiar.

Worry is a problem for most. The Scripture goes on to say, "Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life." (6:26-27)

My gray cat, Bella, continues to nestle on my chair-arm as I type. Although she gradually pushes my laptop computer to the side. I enjoy her presence. She is trouble, but her loving presence is worth it. She looks at me with her mysterious green eyes trying to figure out what makes me tick. Bella is another source of joy in my life.

As I drive through my town, I marvel at the majestic trees that line so many of our streets. The greenery of the trees, lushness of the grass and multicolored flowers are truly a blessing to behold. The winding roads and streets are my favorite. The mystery contained within the thick growth is stimulating.

I've noticed the colors and arrangements of the beautiful sunrise and sunsets. Who can pass them by? They draw your attention toward them. Ah-h no man-made portrait ever looked like they do. You ponder how, even God could paint such scenes.

A good meal to enjoy is a privilege. The sweet, salty, and just right flavors invigorate your taste-buds. Having people with which to converse is a heart-warming prize, we often fail to notice. My husband is pleasure stricken when he's viewing the deer that are so plentiful in our area. He counts them regularly, within their habitats. To watch them graze on the meadow is breath-taking. Many of these soft colored, delicately proportioned animals look at you in a fearless manner. They are so used to humans, now. I notice they can move at a moment's notice--into the woods or a grove of trees or tall grass. It's yet another one of life's pleasures.

Yes, indeed life is full of wonders, joys, beauty, blessings and love. I try daily to see what's present, and that perspective is available to everyone. Lift your attitude and perspective upward, rather than down. Your mood will follow your gaze.