© If We Only Focus On Death, We May Not See All The Beauty That Lies Before Us

© Focusing Beyond Death...

© Photography by ~CC - Tallulah Falls, GA (please double click on the photograph so you can see an enlarged view to see the details of both Death and Beauty)

I had the privilege of enjoying Veteran's Day in the GA mountains with my husband and a friend yesterday. The location, Tallulah Falls, a vibrant State Park where we walked over two miles on a number of the trails, crossed over a bridge suspended over one of the falls and it was "breathtaking", to say the least. We walked so many steps that today I have found a new respect for what the calves in my legs felt like earlier this week.

This photo was one of the pics I snapped. I deliberately take photos that evoke deep thought, and this one was shouting out at me. Standing staunch and dark was death; the dead tree...and the vast array of beauty is seen surrounding it with the waterfalls and colorful foliage as it's back drop. This "freeze frame" reminded me of how easy it is for us to focus on the "death" in our lives at times, so much so that we miss the rest of the beauty that surrounds us. Whether it's the death of a dream, a friendship, a marriage, or a loved one; there is still much beauty that surrounds us; despite our deep loss. The key for us is to look for it, no matter how hard it might be.

Today my prayer is that you look for the beauty surrounding you. Maybe it's not a waterfall with fall leaves, instead maybe it's the smile of a baby sitting in front of you in church, or the sun setting on a cool winter evening as a wood burning stove is trailing in the distance. Regardless, there is beauty surrounding you; embrace it and use it as a stepping stone into tomorrow. Taking one day at a time, you can move forward.

Staying In The Day with you while choosing to focus on the beauty around me, ~CC