I am so grateful to be home . . . at least for even a few days.

We have been on the road more than usual and our usual is already a lot. This morning was the first day in a long time when Sid and I could awake to a quiet morning and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings. I never get tired of just looking out the window and breathing in the majesty of His created world.

As many of you know we live in a fishing village in rural Maine. Our view is where the Kennebec River meets Casco Bay. In sight is our cove as well as a nearby island so there is always glorious flying and swimming wildlife to amuse us. Eagles are especially prevalent and fly from the cove to the forest behind our home so from our second floor window we literally have a birds eye view of these magnificent winged works of art in motion.

This morning as I looked outside taking in the grandeur I remembered a Shabbat encouragement I had written years ago about this view. At that time I pondered whether we focus on the telephone pole in the yard across from ours or the ocean just beyond. At that time I was noting that the telephone pole and wires did not detract, for my gaze was more drawn in by the beauty of the surroundings whereas for some the utility pole may be considered an unattractive obstruction. I had pondered whether we focus on the obstacles or the bigger picture, on our secular day-to-day machinations or His magnificently created world in which we live, in other words, on Him.

Today’s thoughts went a little further. I saw the shabby pole with its tangled wires as a beautiful metaphor of life. We have gnarly days, difficulties, twists and turns, feel strung out, and all of that happens simultaneously with so much beauty around us. The wired pole is a perfect example of the both/and. The unsightly wires and pole not only are part of the view, but also, are important reminders that we still can experience life’s beauty despite the sometimes tortuous path. Perhaps even more poignant, His Presence dominates it all.

The misshapen nature of the wires prompted me to think of their uniqueness which added to the diversity of the experience, enriching my senses, challenging my mind, provoking my spirit, deepening my appreciation of the moment. Despite their appearance, if not for them we would have no power! Though scorned they are hailed!

Our perceptions and reality are very much a both/and. If we try not to notice the reality of the detractions perhaps we’re not really fully living the reality. Rather, the challenge is to notice and embrace that which can detract and be able to appreciate the beauty of our lives despite the harsh times that are part of it.

This morning I actually loved looking at the twisted wires on that worn pole set against the backdrop of a blue sky and calm sea. I loved it just as it was. Not only was I reminded of this completeness, of life being all of the above, but also of how our Abba loves us in the same way, warts and all.

You don’t need to live by the sea. Utility poles are everywhere. You just have to have the eyes to see Him in them, to be able to appreciate the uncountable blessings of being alive in this stunning world our Creator has given to us. I know this is difficult to do, not just because we may live in areas that are less bucolic but who has time to gaze out the window??!!

That is absolutely true and I can’t do this every morning. That’s why today jumped out to me as a precious, blessed opportunity to do so. It took deliberate effort to prioritize my spiritual perspective. It was the first day in so many that I even had time to be home at all, let alone one which didn’t have an already overpacked schedule. Perhaps it was that very contrast that gave me the ability to be so appreciative. However it happened, it worked and reminded me of some very important truths I want to try to remember on those more typical crazy mornings. . .

Even when the worst days, the worst headlines, the worst weather, the worst challenges, we have been given the breath of life, to begin each day with gratefulness for yet another day. Even with pain or poverty (which none of us really have the latter) we can thank Him for giving us more time here to be a blessing to others and to make this world a better place than we found it.

When we do so we experience a sense of His Presence that literally blinds us to feeling sorry for ourselves for we become able to see the bigger picture, to see a glimpse of His Glory. We become in awe that He’s allowed us to be part of the immense beauty of His world.

Overwhelmed by gratitude we thank Him for allowing us to experience yet another . . .

Shabbat shalom.

Diane