Yes, it’s beautiful here. I don’t know why we perceive white sands, palm trees, and teal water as especially serene, but we do. Little wonder . . . it is.
But is it any more awe-inspiring than snow falling from the sky like feathers dancing? Or the dry, desert-like heat of summer where we live? Does the Creator look on this place with any more affection than another place? Can I remember that creation is a miracle whatever it looks and feels like?
I see wonder through the macro lens I put on my camera sitting on the grass in my front yard that is no less marvellous than the beach where I sink my painted toes in the warm sand. God is present here and there, and is not constrained by time nor space. Sometimes it’s hard for me to wrap my head around that.
As human beings we rate things like climate, landscape, and even one another. We elevate some above others because they are particularly attractive, or charismatic, or talented. We forget that our value is not in our characteristics and abilities, but by virtue of the fact that we are created beings.
Many (in Canada, especially) regularly head south for warmer climates when the chill of winter takes hold—some for months at a time. Here, there are daily conversations around the pool about the frigid temperatures “back home”.
I think we miss out on the blessing of letting our roots go deep in a place when we decide not to take the good with the (perceived) not-so-good. We are prone to do that with place, and relationships, and we are none the better for it. It is a gift to have the ability to trade a couple of weeks of winter for palm trees and sand and teal water. It will also be a gift when we return to the home we’re blessed to have.
Therein lies the true treasure.
I’ve never wanted to be a snow-bird, but I did travel to hot countries during the Christmas break when I was teaching—it seemed the only opportunity to get a rest! Lovely picture of you, BTW!
Vacations in our working years are a must! (and thank you).
Beautiful prose today!
Tammy, thank you so much. 🙂