People like my family – who homestead or work on a farm – tend to have routines. We typically get up at the same time every morning for chores, and then end the day with the same routine, closing everything up to start the cycle over again the next morning.
But this past week, I took a moment to stop and reflect. I just needed time to be still and think about all the things that were going on around me. And from where I was standing, things looked different.
You would think that living on a small piece of land like I do, there wouldn't be too many places that I don’t visit or look at each day. But as I sat there, completely exhausted, I saw things that I hadn't paid attention to before. The leaves were falling, the wind was blowing and swaying the trees, and the squirrels were having a blast jumping from one limb to the next. It was so peaceful – and it was exactly what I needed at that moment.
It got me thinking about life. The world around us is moving so fast and things don’t seem to slow down until we do. Sometimes a change in scenery is exactly what we need to change our perspective. It may be a different route to work, picking a different trail to hike, trying a new coffee shop, a day trip to a sandy beach with no worries … or you could be like me, simply needing to walk to the other corner of your land to see things clearly.
We tend to spend too much time reflecting on politics, the problems of life and the opinions of others. While it is important to be a part of those things, we can’t let those things become us as a part of our innermost beings! Gaining a new perspective and taking a moment to be still and quiet can make those things seem so unimportant in the big picture.
I pray that you take a moment to stop and look around you today and find something new that makes you smile.
Love your family and let them know how much they mean to you.
Take a moment to enjoy all the blessings that God has given you.
Life is busy, but it is also short. Take a moment to remember that today!
Ashley Carter is a wife, mother, and grandmother living in Elmore County, where she and her husband run Farm to Table Living and Carter Farms. Ashley serves as Controller and Executive Assistant at 1819 News. She is currently working on an inspirational book of short stories. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email ashley.carter@1819news.com.
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