I was excited a couple weeks ago that our friend from college was visiting us. It was so nice to have the company, and I know Alex really enjoyed having some "guy time." (Ladies, you know what I mean - they need it!). Life's so busy that sometimes that sort of stuff falls by the wayside.
Anyway, after the guys spent some time chatting and catching up, we decided to head out to Malibu to go on a hike that a coworker of mine had recommended. It was STUNNING. I know any pictures that I took will definitely not do the views justice.
The hike started pretty close to a busy street, and winds it's way through a residential area... and this is Malibu, so we weren't complaining about the views of these beautiful homes! Once it seemed like we were never going to reach any sort of trail head, there it was! it looked like it was just going to wind down into some trees and not be very exciting, but as soon as we started, we were quick to change our minds.
Back-story: I was not really one for hiking prior to meeting my husband. I am from a very low desert town that is absolutely a pit. It's hot, not very pretty, and definitely not a place where people "hike." Now that we live in an area where hiking trails are readily available, I can see the appeal Alex had with it growing up in Northern California.
So, we made our way down the trail and just truly experienced nature. It got quiet. And at some points we could hear trickling water and we crossed little creeks. By the time we were approaching the end, it was getting dark, and we all knew we needed to head back before it was really dark and scary. We kept going though; we reached the end which was a waterfall. It wasn't fully flowing with water, but so beautiful nonetheless. There were frogs ribbiting and birds chirping and we just stood there and soaked it in.
The last picture of the end of the trail is a little dark, but you can make out the waterfall and the pond, and just imagine lots of nature noises and moist air and the smell of the woods. It was wonderful.
I wish I took more time to soak in the beauty of this world. God created a wonderful thing, and I truly don't think I appreciate it enough. Alex and I are in a place right now where appreciating the small (though extremely significant) things in this world are only going to benefit us. God's blessings come in many forms, and I definitely think that his beautiful creation is a big big form of a blessing. Why else would He make such a beautiful place if not for us to take joy in it?
Take time to really pay attention to what He has created. It's really shocking when you think about how much beauty came from dust!
The Song "Beautiful Things" by Gungor was written as an expression of hope that God would make beautiful things out of the "dust" in our lives. I am learning that this is so true. Even if we can't see it right away. He's there, making beautiful things out what seems to be the worst things. Because He's God.
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said 'Behold, I make all things new." - Revelation 21:4-5a
xoxo
0 comments:
Post a Comment