A young woman passes on the sidewalk bouncing in time with her dogs gait.  Both are surveying their surroundings, likely with different points of focus.  Minutes earlier she walked by across the street, head buried in the cellphone while the dog enjoyed the nature around her.  Reawakened, she seems alert, in the present now, and sharing the experience. We are like this, as we allow the world we create in our minds to pull our gaze away from the truth and beauty of the world around us.  We miss the surprises and opportunities God creates for us, stepping over them on our way to our man-made hopes.

What, if you put it down, would create space for more joy in your life? 

What in nature surrounds you right now that is calling for your attention?

The trees are thinning, and some stand naked in the light breeze, imperceptible but to the one still holding tight to its golden leaves amidst its brown curled counterparts.  None of these are dead, just shifting their growth underground, their glory no longer displayed openly.
There are times when we recoil from the world around, drawing inward.  Life appears static, having ebbed, and all energy retired. Yet, hidden here in this dearth is the renewal of strength and growth.  Until, suddenly, from the stillness emerges transformation to a new season in full bloom.

What is a new perspective you can have on your life right now? Whats growing in you that wants to burst forth?

Faint glory on the horizon, the strokes of brightness line the sky amidst streaks of gray. Above, the sculpted canopy, with a rustic look, is a covering of complex contour; evidence of the artists hand fixed on detail.  Without warning, the sharp etchings throughout the expanse dissolve at once in to an undefined blur of smoky white, and the work is gone.
We can pour our hearts and minds into meaningful work, and in a moment it disappears, and we are left wondering what to do. A new perspective is to see this blur as an untouched canvas now awaiting the artists hand.

What new opportunity does a recent loss in your life represent?

One bird soars against the blue and white background, dipping and gliding, as if the sky and the breeze were his alone. The sun, brilliant below, sitting on a shadowed ledge, holds the promise of the day that is already in full motion for this winged one. Far out on the horizon above the trees are a few more birds doing the same.  Dancing through the clouds with their own pattern, their freedom is spacious, as if the sky and ground were cleared and all they see is blue. Their example penetrates, revealing how we each can choose to soar above, unfettered, as who we are; and at least for a few moments just enjoy the breeze.

What thoughts can you let go of today, that will let you enjoy the moment?  Your life?

As the faint gray smoke drifts slowly across the sky, the birds are enjoying exploring at a free and contrasting frenetic pace.  They race one direction, in ensemble, then return  like one large airplane taking off over the houses, flying right overhead. There's a freedom and a pattern to their scavenger hunt; perfection  immaterial, and little room for indecision or uncertainty. If the search turns up insufficient, on to the next. There's a peace in all that energy that is an example. The moment is worthy of full attention; No lingering on the past, no worry of the future. Just now, and fully alive.

What in front you is worthy of your full attention?

Yesterday I was lost in a dangerous part of the city. The GPS was guiding me in all the wrong directions although it's indicators were bringing me home. After traveling some lonely boarded up blocks, I sat at a crossroad seeing 2 streets in front that were concerning, a cross street I could see nothing of with trees blocking, and the pressure of cars all around me as rush hour ensued. The street sign warned of an area seen on the news. Asking God for help, I tapped my horn to catch the attention of the woman in the car in the next lane. Leaning on her hand with face partially covered obscuring her view of me fairly obviously, she did not respond. I tapped, and tapped again, looking to this woman who seemed very inclined not to help, likely concerned about my motives. Persistence paid off, as if my will was penetrating her mind, and she looked up, acting startled. Then with nervous smiles she and I gently rolled our windows down. She tried to help, expressing uncertainty.  But then, she committed to support me to the point that she held her car there though the light was green. There we were blocking the intersection, she completely unflustered by the honking behind her. In time she waved me to turn in front of her in the direction she had advised. And out of the confusion and fear I drove.

When vulnerable we tend to draw inward, even go into hiding. Yet there is nothing that connects us to each other more than our common vulnerability. We fear, we are uncertain, we get lost. Yet when others are in need our differences melt away, and we rise up to serve a higher purpose. Vulnerability is our connecting strength. Gods mercy lives through us.

What strength is there in a vulnerability are you hiding? 

A pair of cardinals light on the tree. One brilliantly red with black beard. His mate a bright beak but otherwise bland and brown, much less noticeable. But they land  together, gather together and fly off together. An invisible connection, a oneness they share, leaves them unconcerned about who is more pleasing in beauty. The female- muted - is kept even more protected as she blends into the surroundings. In her blending she relates to that which is around her and can be a part of it easier than the bright red male who captures instant attention upon entry. One needs the other as they gather food and explore their world. Time is there's as they move in unison and worry not of the winds or the world.  It is but theirs.

Whether in couples or co workers some stand out and others blend. Yet neither is more worthy or valuable. Each plays their role; each has unique needs, each is essential for balance and outcomes. Unity relies on us stepping in to our unique space.

What are you pursuing? What role is uniquely yours?