Looking up...

One of my favorite places in this world is a place called "The Lookout" on Route 42 in Craig County, Virginia.  It is a simple, little roadside area to pull off of the main road on the side of a mountain.  Yet the view from that small wayside is anything but simple.  It is indescribably beautiful.  The county seat town of New Castle is nestled in full view while majestic Blue Ridge mountains surround it as far as the eye can see.  It is nothing less than breathtaking. 

While growing up in Craig county, I made countless trips up and down Route 42 visiting my Grandmother, attending high school or working at the bank.  Sometimes, traveling became so routine that I missed the beauty within plain sight.  Other times, if only for a few minutes, I would pull off on the modest parking area and find my perspective immediately changing as I basked in that glorious masterpiece God had placed before me.

Isn't life much like that?  It is so easy to become caught up in the daily routines, tasks and challenges that I miss the precious beauty and blessings right in front of me.  Instead of focusing on what is most important, I become frustrated when my "world" is out of order.  Instead of being grateful for faithful loved ones, I find myself overwhelmed with chores and errands. 

Although I don't get to visit "The Lookout" on Route 42 often to view those majestic Virginia mountains, I am still blessed to live in the beautiful rolling hills of Kentucky where God has also placed amazing sunrises and sunsets, incredible starlit skies and wonderful horse farms.  Perhaps I should pause more often, look around and above me...and remember a much greater perspective.  He is with me.  Loved ones remain in my heart.  And life is definitely a beautiful gift to cherish each moment.♥~thl

"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."  Psalm 121:  1>2