There is something exciting about writing a new blog.

Burdens are temporarily lighter and I finally am able to put words to heart

and sentences to feelings.

Yesterday I went out to run a few miles but found myself surrounded by so much beauty

flowering trees, sparkling water fountains, and birds –

lots of singing birds. I had to stop.

I slowed my pace, came to a halt and reached inside my jacket for my cell phone.

It’s one of those that I can use to take photos.

With my attention focused on a gorgeous blooming deep pink azalea

I tried to focus my camera

but

however I turned it

all I could see was my own face.

My frustration mounted as I moved the camera this way and that way

but nothing worked.

The only photo that I could take had me in the forefront.

I finally gave up, put the camera back in my pocket and ran the rest of the way home.

“All I could take was myself,” I groaned to my almost 21 year old.

She reached her hand out for my phone and showed me the place to click.

“Somehow that got turned on but you can turn it off here,”

But why in the world would people want to take photos of themselves so much

that there is something you have to turn on and turn on?

It still puzzles me.

In a world where we are surrounded with beauty on every side

gifts from the Father’s Hand

treasures to be cherished.

Oh I’m all for a photo here and there

But why focus on ourselves when He is the Altogether Lovely One.

It has me thinking still –

Am I so obsessed with myself

to the point that I miss all that is around me at times.

Forgive me, Lord. Help me to lift my eyes higher

and give me Your Eyes to see what is most important in a quickly changing world.

Open my eyes that I might see –

Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.