While out walking one morning, my phone signaled a text.
“Guess what? This is my view is this morning.”
There it was: a photo of a lake with a sunrise. My friend went on to text that she was unexpectedly sharing a few days at the lake with family.
I immediately texted with a heart emoji and “Wow.”
Pausing momentarily to take a photo, I added, “This is my view. I’m walking in my neighborhood” and hit “send.”
One a view of a beautiful lake, and the other an asphalt street bordered by concrete sidewalks, lawns, and trees.
Totally different. Would you consider both beautiful? I do.
No doubt about it, the peaceful lake and beautiful sunrise were pictures of God‘s magnificence and creation. The sunrise reminds us of the reliability of His presence-even if clouds hide the sun-it is reliably there, as He is. Every day He faithfully says, “Good morning.” Add my friend’s serendipity with an invitation to get away with family, and she had a beautiful picture for sure.
But what about my view? It doesn’t seem that asphalt runs a close second or compares to a lake view. But six years ago I fell and fractured my hip. I did not lace up shoes and head out for a morning walk in August or September. I was limited to walking with measured steps and distance during physical therapy sessions and alone at home for practice. And did I say I used a walker and graduated to a cane?
Today I walked with ease and added miles, not just a few feet. Cars and trucks racing by, added noise to my thoughts and prayers, but my view was beautiful too. Behind my view of concrete and asphalt was energy, strength, and the gift of walking independently. For me it was a picture that held first place.
Both views held individual beauty and value. Share on X
What views do you have today? Step back and check your perspective. Maybe you will find serendipities as you focus and reflect.
A new Autumn read:
My friend Katy Kauffman at Lighthouse Bible Studies is releasing a rich compilation on September 30. Sustaining Life’s Victories contains Bible-based articles on dealing with temptations, struggles, and challenges. You’ll find helpful resources, proved strategies, and a Biblical perspective to manage challenges that surface daily and often reappear. I’m privileged to have an article, “Don’t Reach for the Tape Measure” included with thirty authors. You can pre-order at Amazon.
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The Conversation
Wow. Your post helps me put some things into perspective. Walking is an activity I love to do. I need it. . I also take it for granted.
Thank you for shining a light on my wrong-thinking. I will beware of what I take for granted from now on and work to be grateful in all things.
I’m so happy you bounced back from your injury! I’m sure it wasn’t easy.
Thank your for this uplifting message, Marilyn, and the reminder that each day is a blessing, with its own special beauty. I’m looking forward to the release of Sustaining Life’s Victories. I know this inspiring book will be a blessing to so many.
It can be easy to forget how beautiful the everyday things can be — even asphalt — and how blessed we are to have them. Thanks for such a relatable example, Marilyn.
It can be easy to forget how beautiful the everyday things can be — even asphalt — and how blessed we are to have them. Thanks for such a relatable example, Marilyn.
It can be easy to forget how beautiful the everyday things can be — even asphalt — and how blessed we are to have them. Thanks for such a relatable example, Marilyn.
It can be easy to forget how beautiful the everyday things can be — even asphalt — and how blessed we are to have them. Thanks for such a relatable example, Marilyn.