Appreciation

Spring is continuing to work her wonders in the mountains this year. The skies are full of sunshine with only a few clouds floating on the wisps of the winds. My flower box is full to overflowing with purple phlox. A patch of bluebonnets sits proudly next to my front porch. A million dandelions dot the fields. Thousands of bees and butterflies are doing their best to help them flourish and grow. In the morning the birds sing their own "Ode to Joy" while in the evening a blanket of stars keeps you warm in the cool night air.

It seems too that this year I am appreciating Spring’s beauty more than ever before. I am standing outside a bit longer in the morning to admire the rising sun and am staying out a few more minutes each night to gaze at the smiling moon. I am lying down on the warm grass to smell the flowers and am taking the time to rescue the few, stray moths that fly into my house. I am taking deeper breaths of the fresh, Spring air and am saying some extra "Thank You’s" to God for giving us such a blessed time of the year.

Perhaps this greater appreciation comes from the long and difficult Winter we had this year or perhaps as I am getting older and wiser I am finally beginning to see the glory and majesty that was around me all the time. Either way I am grateful and happy. There is nothing sadder than passing by a treasure everyday and not seeing it.

This world is full of beauty, wonder, and delight. It is full of countless blessings given to us by our loving Father above. All we have to do is open our eyes to see them and open our hearts to feel them. Don’t ignore these glorious gifts from God. Don’t allow yourself to pass them by. Open the door of your soul and welcome them in. Let them warm you, nourish you, and strengthen you. Let them become one with you. Then go out and share their joys with everyone.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright © 2010 (joecool@wirefire.com) -- submitted by: Joseph Mazzella ]