I had just finished a full day at work in the Green Valley office. I was late getting away and had to drive to the other side of the world to teach a class in the northwest part of the valley. As I left the office, the sky was very interesting. Before turning right out of the parking lot, I had to stop and get an image or two of the beautiful colors in the clouds. It was just me and the iPhone but I couldn’t let it go. The sky got better and better. I took one more image and then another and then another. I needed to get on the road soon to get to my class. But maybe I could get a better angle by moving up the street a bit. So I did. The new position was interesting and the sky got better yet. I realized that my first location was the best and I had to go back and get a few more images before the magic faded away. And so I did. What about the class? I was late. But the roses smelled so good. 

We had a nice hike through this heavy vegetation thanks to a beautiful wooden path. But who is it that took the time and expended the energy and resources to build the path? Someone’s hard work and efforts have blessed the lives of many who have used this little pathway. It is easy to look at our own efforts in isolation and not give thanks to those who have come before, those who have paved the way, metaphorically, for all of the opportunities we now enjoy. May God help us keep a grateful eye and a grateful heart. 

I am learning to appreciate quiet. We live in a very fast paced world and we sometimes feel guitly if we are not “taking advantage” of every moment. Our minds are filled with music, podcasts, movies, phone calls, text messages, photos, societal noise, and creative efforts to multi-task. I have come to realize that some of my most valuable time is spent in the world of quiet where I can ponder and feel and receive of God’s direction. 

Children have a simple way. It is refreshing. Take this new game, for instance, documented in the photograph below. Is it Billiard Bowling or Bowling Billards? What are the rules? How do I know when I have won? To a child these questions are not important. They just play and enjoy, making the most of each moment. I am grateful for the example of the children 

I was thankful to spend the evening with many members of my extended family last weekend. As the self-assigned, family photographer, I love to observe and document those special and unusual moments that are part of family gatherings. Even with video, precious slices of time might go unappreciated. But still images allow those striking moments to stay with us, to enjoy again and again.