Before me...around me...with me

During an unexpected opportunity today, I sat down at the piano, opened up my newest book and began playing a new song.  I was using it as a "warm up" before working on another new song from a favorite CD. Both songs are enjoyable yet very different styles.  One I was learning by reading the music in front of me. The other I was learning by listening and playing on my own.  At the end of the day, I learned new music in different ways.  I began thinking.

Each step of this journey provides lessons in life.  Some lessons are learned by what we see right before us.  Other lessons are learned by listening closely.  Some lessons are obvious.  Some are found by focusing more intentionally.  Much like music, learning about life is a continual process.  There's always more to learn, more to improve, more to apply and more to enjoy. 

Much too often, I rush through the day so fiercely that I miss the beauty and value of each moment.  Whether in front of me or surrounding me, I hurriedly lose opportunities to learn what He wants to teach me.  May I slow down...see what is before me...notice what is around me...and remember that He is always with me.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl