looking beyond

It isn't very often that I publish two posts so quickly. But these thoughts, spurred on by more of the pictures I took while I was at Lake Kincaide this afternoon, won't let me rest...

take a minute to look, really look at this photo

what do you see?

sometimes what is right in front of us 

blinds us to the rest of life,

tries to convince us "this is all there is"

but if we dare to take a broader look,

if we look beyond the obvious...

yes, I know, each one of us is going to die,

but if you are reading this,

you are not dead yet 
and if you are focusing on the sad, unpleasant or ugly in life

I challenge you to look beyond what is easy to see

make time to play, even if it is only a few minutes every day

take time to explore, especially new things

find a way to embrace the gift of life, 
because regardless of how fragile or hard it may be, 
life is precious

and if you are in a place or a time that is so dark it is impossible for you to see past what is right in front of you, I encourage you to look up, to seek the Son of God, Jesus, because He longs to come alongside you and bring Light to your world and to help carry your burden

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30