How lovely to enjoy where we are! To appreciate the beauty around us!

Last week I enjoyed a wonderful time with a friend on the Oregon Coast. Got to walk on the sand, dip my toes into the cold water, sit and watch and listen to the ocean waves. Lovely. I’ve been thinking about how beautiful it was.

Then while out walking on a tree-lined path along the Snake River once I came home, I noticed a beautiful, big maple tree in the middle of a grassy area of the park. It was so perfectly formed and provided a lovely canopy of shade. It occurred to me that in truth, this is just as beautiful as the ocean shore. Different, but just as stunning with its own strengths.

Then I happened to think about the Arizona desert where I grew up. I always felt it was pretty plain, nothing special. But now I know better. I appreciate its charm and the unique beauty of a cactus and of all the desert blooms. Lovely. They are special.

In the end, it’s up to us to appreciate what’s around us instead of wishing for something that is somewhere else. I’ve decided I’ll be more thankful for where I am. I suspect that next week you might find me sitting on the grass with my back resting against that gorgeous maple tree, appreciating its life-giving essence and cool respite. Nature everywhere is lovely.