As I was driving yesterday, I stopped for a quick shot of the aptly named "Rush River" - a reminder to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the day.
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This house in the woods is overgrown. Years of neglect have overwhelmed it. There is an aspect of beauty in imagining the memories of this place, but at this point it is not serving the function for which it was created. Sometimes our personal lives can feel this way. Have you let your spiritual life become overgrown and neglected? What can you do to clean the brush away and re-engage with who you were created to be?
Here is an image to help you begin your week. It is Monday morning and the sun rises. The ice on the lake is in the process of melting, but it will be days - even weeks - before the lake is open. Know that whatever work you begin this morning is "in process" and that time will show the results. You may not see it while you are in the moment, but it will happen. Enjoy the beauty of the moment as you work toward the future.
This decrepit old barn lies abandoned in the winter snows, but imagine the stories it could tell of times gone by. Do you ever feel like this? Oh, the stories you could tell, if only some one would listen! I invite you to tell the stories of your life: in person, by phone, by recording, by writing. Perhaps you can listen to some one else tell their stories. Perhaps we can modify the Dr. Seuss line from "Oh the places you'll go" to "Oh the stories you'll tell!"
The experience of taking this photo was one filled with awe and tension. There was such a feeling of awe and peacefulness as I approached this majestic bird perched above its aerie. But it was also a moment of great tension, for I felt at any moment the eagle might be spooked by my presence and take flight.
Are there moments in your life that are filled with great awe and yet great tension? Is there a message for you in those moments? Might the divine be speaking to you in those moments? I miss this old friend. In years past, I would drive past this leaning tree everyday on the way to and from my teaching job. I might have to make a special visit. Are there any old sights (or relationships) you might need to re-visit?
Even a still sculpture like this looks different every day. Beautiful every way.
Are there some things in your life that remain the same, yet are different everyday? Relationships, job, faith . . . How beautiful! After the storm there often comes a time of peace. In this photo, the snow has stopped falling, the wind has ceased to blow, and the storm clouds are thinning. Soon the sun will break through. As the heavy blanket of new snow covers the earth, sounds are muffled and nature is quiet.
Consider the storms in your life. Do you experience a time of peace afterwards? Can you allow the relative quiet to give you peace? |
AuthorJoel Kreger is a writer who grew up in Minnesota, spent many years of his life in Iowa and Wisconsin, and now lives in Minnesota. His life experience includes careers of serving 17 years as a Lutheran parish pastor, working 18 years as a public school teacher, and now writing as a novelist and blogger. Archives
April 2019
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