A dear friend recently reminded me how easily, and often, one can take for granted the blessings of life. I am thankful for my home and surroundings, to live where I can experience all four seasons of the 
year. I love the newness of life evident in every spring and the contrast of summer greenery against the rocky highway bluffs. I look forward each fall to the multi-color splendor of the leaves, and each winter to the crispness of the air that allows me to enjoy a sweater and boots.
Still, more than once I have quoted a phrase well-known in my home state: “I’m from Missouri, show me.” I like to visit new places. I’ve dipped my toes in the shining seas of the A
merican coastline, felt the spray of water from the powerful Niagara Falls on my face. I’ve gazed in awe at the majestic Rocky Mountains, the serenity of Donner Pass, the colorful hues of Ruby Canyon. I’ve walked through the Costa Rican rain forest, savored fresh Bahamian conch salad, and viewed what the waiter at a beachfront restaurant in Curacao described as the most beautiful sunset in the world.
In the first days back from the late winter train trip I chronicled in this blog, I realized that I viewed through different eyes the rocky bluffs lining the route from my home to the nearby towns where I work and shop. Having feared that I would long for the beauty and majesty of the sights along the California Zephyr route, I was pleasantly surprised at my heightened awareness of the rocks, rills, woo
dland, and rolling hills of the Missouri Ozarks, all beautiful in their own right. I simply had never taken the time to really view and appreciate the wonder around me.
I am grateful for the opportunity to go from one place to another as I choose. I hope to see more of this wonderful world before my traveling days are over, especially the parcels so woven into the history of this land that I love. As I near the completion of my fifty-fifth trip around the sun, I realize more than ever the danger of moving too quickly through the minutes of my days. My goal for the next trip around is to try harder to be present and at peace in each moment, savoring the beauty along my way.
Copyright 2018 Sherry A. Hathaway. All rights reserved.
Sherry, you have a traveling soul like I do. You will never run out amazing places to sit spell-bound as you gaze out over GOD’S great creation. It is so astonishing that everywhere we go, there is something different to capture our attention, even in places like Kansas. There are a lot of places I would still love to visit, but my opportunities for that are slowly dwindling.
Take advantage of every chance for adventure while you are still in a position to enjoy them. Thanks for sharing your unique perspective!
Thank you, Richard! God’s great creation is amazing no matter where one may be standing for the view. Thank you for sharing!