There is a story told by a friend, T.N. Johnson which he shares the experience of a woman and her friend who meet up for a vacation. They are in a new town and decide to rent some bikes to go explore the area. While at the bike shop, they speak to the attendant about the best trails in the area. They asked specifically the question…

…in terms of beauty, would it be better for us to ride towards the coast or into the mountains.

The attendant didn’t know how to answer. They asked if he rode his bike in the area. He responded proudly, “yes, 250 miles a week”. So again, they asked for his input about which direction they should go in order to observe the most beauty, sure he would know if he rides so often. His told them he didn’t know because he doesn’t look up.

This story illustrates how some people go through life seeking out the beauty and others, well, don’t. It fills me with sadness when I think about or meet people who “don’t look up” even for a little while to see the good God created.

The good God created is abundant; it’s in all things, all day and every where. As I reflect today, the sun is shining and its a beautiful spring day. I can see good in the blooming trees, hear it in the song of the birds and feel it in the chill of the breeze. When I am surrounded by so much good and aware of the presence of God, it gives me pause to say a prayer for those who, like the attendant, are too focused on other things to appreciate the gifts laid out before us.

This week I celebrate the birthday of my middle daughter and each year, I am reminded of that stormy night she was born. It was a big storm with heavy rain, thunder and lightening. As it is, rain has been one of the beautiful blessings of our lives. It rained when each of the other girls were born and on our wedding day. We consider it God’s blessing on us. It’s a reminder to us that God is the creator and giver of all things good.