Nature

In highschool, I spent hours taking walks, observing nature, and taking pictures. Music, poetry, art, beauty--all of these stir something deep within that logic and learning cannot touch. During my four years of college, I concentrated more on the logical side of things in order to perform well. There was always some level of stress because there were always things I needed to do. For the most part, I felt that I had to suppress creativety in order to get things accomplished. There is gratification in reasoning and learning, but I did not allow myself to balance it with art. Especially during this past year, I have looked forward to spending more time reading inspirational books and experiencing nature without as many time limitations. As I always tell myself, God did not make the indoors, He made the outdoors! What better place is there than His creation to spend time with Him and listen to Him speak?

As I have been here in Rochester, one of the things I have enjoyed the most the gorgeous contryside, the trails, and parks. I love to go jogging and walking, taking a new path through the neighborhood or walking a trail. Today, I took many photos of flowers, trees, meadows, and butterflies. Though being attacked by mosquitoes the whole time, I felt like a part of me came to life again that had been dormant for a few years!

Part of me feels guilty to be able to live comfortably in such a lovely area while others across the world are in war, famine, or poverty. At the same time, I know I am where the Lord has placed me for this moment. God has blessed me so much, but I thank Him with the realization that any part of it could be gone in a moment. I have asked God, "How can I best thank you?" I think the best way to thank Him is to enjoy what He has given me with the realization that it is not mine to keep. His gifts are not meant to be hoarded, but appreciated and shared.


Today I signed up to be a Red Cross volunteer! Eventually, I should be able to take the classes for disaster nurse training.