I ran across great words of wisdom on the website "Pbase," where a LOT of photographers post and share their photos. It is one of the best photo websites that I've ever found, especially for those that want to see what photos taken with a particular brand/model of camera look like. The photographers there range from outright amateurs to very professional ones.
Anyway, while I don't remember which photographer had it in his area of Pbase, this quotation certainly applied as great knowledge for the RV'er as well as the photographer, many of us who are actually both.
“Watching the clock is not the same as watching a sunrise.”
While it is a definite reference for those who are REALLY living the RV lifestyle by actually getting to travel, even those of us who are still working or working towards that lifestyle can also appreciate the sentiment.
Think of it, when looking out across a panorama of beautiful landscape, or when necessary, across the skyline of a town or city, a sunrise seems to really give us some beautiful sights.
The very act of stopping and enjoying the beauty of a sunrise seems to give me a sense of peace, and upon further reflection, a sense of gratitude.
Peace, because when I stop to really watch a sunrise, not only do I see the brilliant or subtle hues of color, but there are also the sounds of nature around me. Even the birds seem to revel in the mornings with their songs. Unfortunately, the one sense that escapes me is the sense of smell. I don’t get to have the aroma of flowers and other shrubs and trees to accompany the vision in front of me.
Gratitude, because with my firm belief in God, I know that he has once again granted me a day in which to live and enjoy the wonders of his creation. Even with our current situation of still working, I feel blessed that I’ve had the opportunities of the past and the promises of the future. At least until he decides to call me Home.
As for going Home, with the beauty that we see here on Earth, imagine what beauty will be in store for us in Heaven. It is my sincere hope that my life is spent in helping to influence others with my belief in God and that He allows me more time to enjoy his creation and point it out to others that everything is because of him.
Every breath that I take is not one that I need to worry about making sure I do. My heart pumps life giving blood without me needing to remember to do that multiple times per minute. Our bodies are wondrous things of beauty as well in their complexity and ability.
Just look at the beauty that others can create in art, writing, music, and so many other realms. How is it that any mankind has that ability, but no other creatures do?
Thank you, God. Thanks for the sunrises and sunsets that provide us with a reminder of the beauty that is you.
Purgatoire River Campground; Colorado, 2000
Outside our back door; Tuttle, OK, 2011
Eleven Mile State Park, Colorado, 2008
Eleven Mile State Park, Colorado, 2008
Blue and Bear Lake Campground areas, Colorado 2008
Kansas home of relatives, 2009. Even silhouettes of cats in trees have beauty, and poles and high line wires don’t distract from the overall beauty.
Terry,
ReplyDeleteWell said. Your words are timely for me today.
We spent part of today at Point Park on top of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN. As I looked over the city and the surrounding country, I could only think of the Battles for Chattanooga, (November 23–25, 1863) where Union Major General Ulysses S. Grant defeated Confederate General Braxton Bragg. It is beautiful place and serves as a reminder of our nations past.
Along one of the trails, I photographed a small plant rooted in the rock. It reminded me of persistence. Once again, God's creativity is shown in this plant and how it clings so preciously to the rock.
Neither of these examples are related to the grandeur of a sunset, it does remind me that God is sovereign in all things.
Thank you my friend.