On a recent snowy day here in New England I needed to clear my head, I also needed to return books to the library. So I combined the two and walked over. Not a far walk at all. As I headed out on my jaunt, I was welcomed by the falling snow, the quietness it brings and the soft whisper of dried oak leaves on a tree I passed. I tossed around the problems that were bothering me, then tried to let them fade and gather all the calmness this serene walk had to offer, glad I had made the choice to venture out.
My stop at the library was ever so brief, and I was back on my way to resume my peaceful walk home.......Well here's where it all changed. The wind was making it difficult to walk now, while snow hit my face in rapid fire speed, my eyes watered and my breath was short. What had happened???
As I focused on walking, I compared this situation to Life. We can be going along and all seems wonderful and effortless. We notice the gifts around us as we are ticking along and just as we become confident, things can quickly change...... suddenly the wind is no longer at our backs. We are faced with stressful and difficult situations and a our gifts and blessing are tougher to see.
Similarly, as I continued my way home, walking into the wind and eyes all watery I had to focus a bit more. I stopped and snapped a picture of the beautiful oak tree that still held the same whispering sounds I heard on my way by the first time, when all was peaceful and calm. I wanted to capture and hold onto the moment and the meaning it served.
I reminded myself that blessings are still there even when the wind is no longer at our backs helping us along....we just have to stop and notice them and hold on tight until the winds shift again. Find your blessings...the more you look....the more you see ~
4 comments:
Perfect timing on this post. I had such a wonderful day today, very satisfying and uplifting and when I got home I discovered a leaky roof. You bet I am asking myself how am I supposed to see the good through this leak. My anger and frustration over the roof is lined with JOY and happy remembrances of earlier today. Your blog shall serve as my photo capture just like yours of the leaves. :)
The wind at your back… encouragement, pushing you along. The wind in your face… a reminder to keep going, one step at a time and you'll arrive
Thank you for this. It's a great metaphor for life. I continue to focus on the possible lesson or positive which can be much more challenging when the snow is hitting your face. Having just moved from California to Buffalo, NY - I am living your experience and trying to see the beauty of the snow rather than the cut of the wind.
Thank you for your comment, Rev. Kellie Wilson! Goodness, CA to NY during a winter like this has got to be challenging for sure. Be certain to hold your face to the sun on the days it shines and it will give you strength through the storms. Be Well~
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