Life is a kaleidoscope

We passed a Toyota car on the interstate. Another was a Ford. One automobile held a man, but a woman drove the next. Then a couple went by in a truck. Some of the passengers were talking, others looked silent. "How interesting," I thought. Life is filled with ever-changing variety, both mental and physical. How can anyone ever become bored?

Just like a wheel that keeps turning, life does the same. The weather continues to change. You never know if the day will be sunny, rainy, cold or warm. The seasons continue to surprise. Our thoughts, ideas, skills, acquaintances, family, residences and likes and dislikes constantly shift. You don't have to look far to find exciting diversions.

I sat at a restaurant recently, in a comfortable armchair, one like you find in numerous eating establishments nowadays. As I glanced out the window I pondered the moment, and opened myself to, hopefully, some insights from the Holy Spirit. My eyes fell upon the arrangement of round black wrought-iron tables. Matching chairs were placed around them. The setting was so inviting that I was overcome with the wonder of living and what God indeed prepares for his people. But one has to be observant and open his eyes to see.

Although happenings are sometimes unpleasant, you can't focus on what's bad. If you do, your positive view becomes clouded with the dust. You can't exhaust the amount of beauty, love and unusual and unpredictable situations that are all around.

I again realized that the opportunities to see wonderful and unusual sights and experience interesting and endless encounters are boundless. And as a validation for my expectations, I glanced on top of one of the tables and saw a small wren perched on one of them running back and forth. He strutted around, his tiny body moving with importance. Each miniature part of his being was carefully sculpted. God had spared no skill when he fashioned the wee bird. People and things don't have to be large, gaudy, prestigious or loud to make a difference. What's important is the purpose for which people and things stand.

I looked outside at the seasonal fall pumpkin patches that are now plentiful around the countryside. I look forward to drinking fresh, hot apple cider. The beauty of the color and different shapes and sizes of the pumpkins announce that autumn has arrived again. The crisp, cool, energetic air puts a spring in my step. The numerous shades of mums fill the ground at various locations. You see multicolored ears of corn, dried branches and gourds -- still another variation in life. It's Halloween time and All Saints' Day, a special day when many will attend church.

Soon winter will follow, offering its own brand of excitement. The barren trees appear, leaving it to your imagination what you see. Perhaps you'll re-energize yourself during the colder days or reflect on your life. Whatever you choose, it too will be different from what you've done before. You can see the beauty of the snow or the messiness of it. That's because life is never-ending movement both outside and within oneself.

According to Genesis 1:31, "God looked at everything He had made and He found it very good." Life is indeed a kaleidoscope of wonderful things God has made. Just look and you'll see.

@body_no_indent italics:Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction and provides spiritual direction to people at her office.