Thursday, August 13, 2009

Beauties of Life - Part I

Earlier this evening, there was quite a powerful storm that rushed through Provo. Water was accumulating everywhere. There were water falls driving down the rooftops. Rivers rushing through the gutters. Puddles appearing on the sidewalks. There was crashing of thunder following strikes of lightning, which struck only a few hundred yards away. At a time like this, when Mother Nature's wrath was building, it would be expected for everything to be dark and grim. However, this was not the case. The sun, ready to fall behind the mountains for the day, peaked out from under the clouds and lit everything in sight. This created a beautiful rainbow off in the distance.

With the rain pouring and the sun shining, a beautiful scene was for all to behold. I stood and pondered on the beauty of everything going on around me. After watching this storm pour across the whole city, I called for my best friend and we began running through the rain, jumping in puddles and kicking water at each other. What a wonderful way to enjoy this stunning storm.

One of the beauties of life is to enjoy what God has given us. This kind of storm, with the raging rains and the shining sun, rarely occurs and I wanted to be a part of that and to feel it. It was wonderful. Of course, I am so thankful for a shelter overhead that provides me with protection, but sometimes, these elements simply need to be experienced. I felt so alive and rejuvenated by the rain. For me, it's these kinds of moments that make life so enjoyable and pleasurable.

The earth truly is a beautiful place. Sometimes we get caught up in the many things that are going on in our lives and don't take to time to stop for a minute and look at the beauty and wonders that surround us every day. So, when there is an opportunity for us, take a look at the sky; look at the clouds; watch the sunset; gaze at the stars; watch and listen to the trees; smell the flowers; feel the grass; breathe the fresh air. There are so many things around us that shows how blessed we are by a loving Heavenly Father.

1 comment:

kwistin said...

I think it's so wonderful that life is to be experienced. Often, we can observe beauty. For example, we study the beautiful sun as it sets, watch waterfalls as they comply with gravity, peer up at diamond-filled skies...we are surrounded by all sorts of breathtaking vistas. There are also beautiful sounds and alluring scents.

However, it's times like what you just described that life can truly be experienced. You didn't just watch the rain; you felt it, you danced in it, you covered yourself with it. You let it completely overtake you, as nothing else can, and that's really quite a liberating feeling. I think it's an ability to let yourself "experience"...rather than just view or listen or hear.

Spontaneity is the spice of life...and it's a gift to let yourself be spontaneous. I'm glad you recorded this fun experience in such a beautiful way. What a wonderful day that was...what a lucky best friend you have. :)