A New Day Dawning

As I write this, I am in the car with my family driving north on PA Route 21.  We just dipped down into my favorite valley where the water’s edge comes up to the same level as the road.  It almost feels like we’re in a speed boat!  There it is, this gorgeous tranquil water, it’s mirror-like surface shimmering, reflecting the sunlight with its tossing ripples right outside your window. Moments later we climb up, up, up to one of the most beautiful views of the drive.  You can see out over the most of the lake and all of the green, lush hills surrounding it.  Blue sky laced with fluffy white clouds expanding all above it is the final touch on the crowning masterpiece.  Ah!  Ahh!  It makes the heart gasp!  The setting sun reflects off the windows of the homes on the other side of the lake, adding to the magic of the scene! Grape vineyards, red barns, rolls of summer hay resting lazily in the warm fields.  It’s breathtaking!

And such are some of the views on the journey of life.  This week—my birthday week—bestowed me the gift of time time to take my nose away from the grindstone and take note of the breath-taking vista from this point of life. A perfect time to pause for a moment and take it all in, rather than rushing past without appreciating or wondering at it all. So here it is, the past couple months of this phase of life in pictures.
As for words, I haven’t been able to find a description that would do the scene justice.

I cannot find words to describe what was in my heart as I sat with my family watching our twin girl’s high school graduation. It was outdoors and the sun was just setting on the scene as the ceremony came to a close.  I realized that this ‘day’—this precious time of having my little girls in the nest—was also coming to a close.  Change.  A new day ahead.

I can’t tell you of the fullness of my heart at stake conference the very next day, the way I was enlightened and touched throughout the weekend being taught by servants of The Lord, kind, good, inspired men of God who presided with love, gentleness, and revelation over the weekend of stake conference for the members of our church here in this area.  I was changed for the better by the experience.

Then that same Sunday afternoon, seeing my precious Zoie Grace get baptized.  Her name means the ultimate existence we receive through the grace of God when we strive to follow Him and do His teachings. Her life has been heaven-blessed and there is never a day quite as beautiful as baptism day.

The realization setting in on me that this phase of life was over, this ‘day’ had come to a close and my precious girls and I had a new day dawning tomorrow, a new phase of life ahead with them as young adults away from home.  This FULL, busy, sometimes too demanding season of life, going nearly 80 mph most days, has incredible vistas and incredible quiet, peaceful scenes along the way.  They restore my soul and remind me why we are taking this journey anyway!

I wish you all some amazing views along the way in your own amazing journey through life!!!

Take a moment to notice them now, getting a glimpse of the richness of life for a few thoughtful, breath-taking moments before getting back to work in the hot summer fields!

Celebrate the View!