Beauty

There is something within me that craves beauty in my surroundings.  Beauty nourishes my soul.  I think God intended it that way.  After all, He is the creator and author of true beauty.  For most of my life, I have lived in the country.  I love the beauty of the mountains, the woods, farmland, and gardens.  When we moved to the “city”, really a small town now, I didn’t think I would like it very much partly because I thought I would not be surrounded by the beauty of creation.  We have lived here almost two years, and I am thankful for where God placed us.  I have learned you can find beauty when you look for it.  The following is just a taste of some beautiful spots I have seen on my walks close to home.

Flowers growing on steps

Windmill

Birdhouse on the shed

Trees

Bench by the creek

Tree by the water

Rushing waters

Row of houses below the mountain

Church with pink dogwood

Lilly in bloom

Mist in the valley

Misty morning

Flag at the park

Honeysuckle ablaze in the sunlight

Some kinds of beauty cannot be captured in a photo: the calls and songs of the birds, the rush of the creek water on the rocks, the scent of honeysuckle wafting in the breeze, the quiet crisp air of the morning.  When I walk in the morning, the song “How Great Thou Art” often comes to my mind.

“When thro’ the woods and forest glades I wander

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,

And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!”