Beauty and the Beast

Most of the days at this time of my life are honey and cream.

Not that I particularly like that combination of tastes, but that's supposed to mean the days are sweet and they flow right along, one after another. What's good about those kind of days is they ARE sweet. What's bad about those kind of days is that I have to have a vinegar and sour milk day every so often in order to be able to appreciate them on a consistent basis. Yesterday was one of those days. But today....today the bees are buzzing and the the cream is floating to the top once again.

I have an aunt that has been instrumental in helping me to see the beauty, not only in life, but in people. I visit her once or twice a year for a few days at a time and have for many years. She's a strong Christian and someone I've been able to talk to about any and everything. She's never judged or condemned me; just listened. When I tell her how mean or hateful someone's been to me, she is always there to present the side I might not have considered. Did he have a good marriage? Was she lonely? Where could they be hurting, and why might they be taking it out on me? From her guidance I've learned there are always reasons why people act the way they do if we look hard enough to find them. There's always a cause for the beast in us to emerge.

I also learned another thing from her. She's lived in the hills all her life, yet never once takes the beauty around her for granted. It doesn't matter what season it is, what type of wildlife it is, or what the weather is like. She appreciates it all. There is no greater pleasure for me than to go on a drive with her in the passenger seat, pointing out all the wonders along the way. It could be something as simple as a cloud formation or as dramatic as a nest of bald eagles...she notices it all and thanks God for each thing. From the greening of the hills against the azure sky to the way a flock of wild turkeys runs across a field, nothing escapes her eye or her appreciation.

This attribute has worked its way into my life as well. My honey and cream days are filled to overflowing with gratefulness. My kids are even reaping the rewards of it. Sunsets are a favorite of ours, as are clouds. There aren't many hills around here, and wildlife is almost nonexistent, but we are thankful for the gifts God has given us in abundance...including each other.

Now, will someone please pass the honey and cream?

Psalm 8
For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.
1 O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are people that you should think about them, mere mortals that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9 O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! (NLT)