There is Beauty all Around

Sunday was an emotional day. I needed to get away and clear my mind. I asked Danny if we could go for a drive up the canyon. Although it was just a few minutes from home, it was like escaping into another world, like something out of a fairy-tale. The winter frost was exquisite; everything so still, so pure, so clear. The sun glimmered off the ice-encrusted evergreens and mountain ridges in utter magnificence. It was soul-stirringly beautiful.

Danny always says I'm like a Disney princess. I love nature and seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. It's kind of a unique gift, if I say I want to see an animal, a shooting star, or something of that nature, I always do. I look for them. I notice the slightest movements on the mountainside, and can detect even a well-camouflaged critter. I watch the sky and refuse to look away until that star makes its appearance above. Like Snow White or Cinderella, I may or may not just break into a song and dance filled with delight in the world around me.

I think of these moments as tender mercies, not coincidences. I think they are deeply tied to my faith. I believe Heavenly Father knows how much I love his creations, and he likes to share them with me. It's a special gift that many people don't understand. I've been told I'm silly and people have scoffed at this part of me, but I feel it is special. I hold it sacred, and even sharing it here makes me feel a little uneasy. I feel it's important, however for you to understand that part of me in order to explain why our Sunday drive was so special.

As noted above, Sunday was a very hard day. I needed divine help. As soon as we entered the canyon, peace filled my heart. The world was beautiful again. As we turned to drive towards the Sundance resort, I spotted four elk. This was exciting! Soon after, I thought I saw a black bear. I was convinced of it! My bear turned out to be a stately moose, but I was still very happy to see him! I saw another moose and five more elk along the way home. I felt uplifted and enlivened!

This little drive reminded me that Heavenly Father knows me perfectly. He knew I would just love to see those animals and the beautiful winter landscape. I had to be willing to get outside to see them though. If I had crawled into bed and given way to the discouragement I faced, I wouldn't have seen the beauty God had created for me. I would have missed out on that connection with my Father in Heaven. I have always loved the Primary song "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" . It says so perfectly what is in my heart. Actively seeking and appreciating the beauty around us can restore hope and fill our hearts with our Father's love.

With love,

L