Something Beautiful

"It's a voice that whispers my name

It's a kiss without any shame

Something beautiful

Like a song that stirs in my head

Singing love will take us where

Something's beautiful"---Something Beautiful-The Newsboys

The most incredible thing happened to me Friday. It had been a crazy, hectic day, and by the time it started to wind down toward evening I was pooped. But as I looked outside the kitchen window I noticed the sky and realized a beautiful sunset was about to happen. I stopped loading the dishwasher, grabbed my camera and headed down the road to stake out a field with a good view. About a mile from the house, I pulled into a rocky drive just off the county road, slammed the truck into park and bailed out, running to get into position. Then suddenly I stopped. And realized I was in the middle of thousands of bright, shiny sunflowers. They were everywhere. Row upon row of yellow blooms tilting in all directions. It was the most incredible thing I’d seen in a very long time. I laughed out loud at their beauty and how I literally stumbled into them.

I didn’t have much time, so as the sun quickly slid below the trees I lay on my back on the ground and started snapping away so as to catch the sky in the pictures.

Since they were in neat rows and growing in the wildlife refuge, I’m assuming they were planted on purpose. Whatever the reason, I’m glad they’re there, and I’m glad I found them. I couldn’t get enough. The daylight dwindled so fast I got only a few shots.

So I went back for more. Yesterday. When the sun was bright and shiny.
And it was just as much fun as it was the first time.
And just as moving.
I love the way the front row lines the road, waiting for passersby.
Bobbing their heads at cars and trucks and tractors.
From a distance they seem to go for acres.
And acres.
For as far as the eyes can see.
Up close, they seem to surround you.
And tickle your waist and chest. The bees and butterflies are everywhere.
The flowers are simply spectacular, and it’s difficult to describe how moving the whole experience was.

And for reasons I can’t explain I felt compelled to capture my joy.And hang onto it for future reference…when I need a reminder that the world is truly a beautiful place.