Thursday, July 11, 2013

Green

 



Summer is such a bright time of year.  The earth seems to come to life a little more to take advantage of the sun, warm weather, longer days, and general loveliness.  To me, one of the most dominant colors of this season is green.  It comes in so many forms--bright leaves on decidious trees, the feathery green of grasses and fields, sea green succulents and eucalyptus leaves, the textures of these greens.  Even in the desert there are so many shades of it!  Green can be vibrant or subtle, the focus or the accent, cool or warm.  To me, these greens represent growth, progression, and joy.  I feel like there is so much to see and love if we just look.  
 
Sometimes its hard for me to believe that the whole world in all its magnificence and beauty is for us.  But it is, and what a gift!  "Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.  And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion." (D&C 59:18-20). 

I have yet to read any works by Leo Tolstoy, but I read a quote from him the other day that resonated with me.  Well, to be honest, I read a lot of quotes that did, but here is just one.  I wouldn't want to overwhelm you or myself with a flood of concentrated writing.  It can be powerful stuff, you know.  Anyhow, here it is.  "If, then, I were asked for the most important advice I could give, that which I considered to be the most useful to the men of our century, I should simply say: in the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, look around you.” 

I think that Tolstoy is so earnest in his exhortation for us to be still for a moment and look because he knows that it is restorative and gives joy.  Yet like the scripture mentioned earlier, there needs to be balance--admiration "not to excess" I suppose.  If we spent all our time effusing what a great world this life is, then we are in danger of becoming too much like romantic poets.  However, if we fail to notice the simple grace of the world around us, then life may quickly dissolve into mere drudgery.  Finding that balance is a tough task; one that requires pretty constant effort and attention.  But I think its an important yearning and striving--one that truly enriches life and one that God wants us to pursue because it makes us happy.  So cool.  






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