Handmade Cards, Ice Cream and a Burning Tree?

I've realized over the past two years that when you're trying to navigate your way through life's many challenges, you can become so focused on the things that are not so great—the stuff that's not working—that you easily overlook all the good that surrounds you. Much like the children of Israel who when sent to spy out the promised land were so awed and fearful of the giants, all but two overlooked the fresh succulent fruit, beautifully cultivated grass, nice homes and abundant springs in the same land. I understand their fear. I also understand that allowing adversity and the subsequent fear to cause me to shrink back delays the blessings that await me. So, I decided to make a game (of sorts) of searching out the beauty and goodness around me. Everyday I venture out of my home looking for something good, beautiful, new, and wonderfully surprising. And each day I have found something. Like today.

This morning I was feeling a bit harried and anxious thinking of all the things I needed to do today (and this week for that matter because I haven't yet mastered the whole "taking no thought for tomorrow" thing). I was worried mostly that I wouldn't have time or the energy to do it all. Among the things that awaited me today: I had committed to spending the afternoon at a friend's home for a card making class (just in time for Christmas), there were several things that needed to get done around the house, plus I had already gotten the early morning call from my dad that means I should stop by my parents home.

Well, the card making class was especially enjoyable and relaxing—it offered good company and good conversation. I had a chance to catch up with a friend and former co-worker who I hadn't seen in a while, there was Christmas music and pumpkin cake, and the cards we made are really beautiful. (I made my first window cutout card, which I really liked.) But when I realized the class ran longer than I'd anticipated, I found myself becoming anxious again thinking I might not finish the other things I needed to get done. At the very least, I had to visit my parents since I'd promised to pickup ice cream for my mom (because much like my dad's orange soda cravings of a few months ago, my mom has developed a craving for ice cream—vanilla only, thankyouverymuch!).

Off to the store I go for vanilla ice cream, and then to my parents. My mom was visibly happy and appreciative to get the ice cream; my dad, like any good husband, was happy for my mom to get the ice cream. Mission accomplished, I quickly move to the next thing trying to get back on schedule. 

My blazing red cure for harriedness. The tree is completely red
and all sorts of awesome! The grayish green near the top is from
a hanging branch of the tree that sits in front of this one.

I jump in my car and am headed to the store to pick up a few items to help with the things around the house when suddenly I'm stopped by a most awesome sight—a blazing red tree just two doors up from my parents home. It's the only tree in the neighborhood still having leaves that had also completely changed colors. In that moment, I forgot about the store. I forgot about my housework. I forgot about the ice cream. I forgot about the cards. I pretty much was unconcerned about anything but that tree. I stopped my car and got out to get a better look. I even took a few pictures. I truly believe the most beautiful art is found in nature. (My picture taking skills on the other hand could use some work.)

I managed to miss seeing the tree when I walked up the street to my parents home and again on the way out as I headed to my car. How I finally came to notice it when I did, I can only imagine was God designed—a beautiful red tree set against the backdrop of a drab sky—as a reminder to me of His goodness. A few pics later, feeling a burst of fresh energy, I headed to the store, and then home. "So, did you get everything done today that you planned?" you ask. No. But I was no longer anxious about it either. Suddenly it wasn't all that important.

If you're having trouble seeing the good and the beautiful that's around you, I encourage you to try the following any time of day: step outside, close your eyes and take a deep breath, and then open your eyes and gaze up at the sky. Sometimes you just have to shift your focus to see the good, but the more good things you see, the more you'll find.