oh, the awe.
There’s a lot in life that puts me in awe and helps me appreciate the people around me and times I’m in. And it’s not often the big and expected things that cause this reaction.
I thought it’d be a fun exercise to look back at pictures I’ve taken from January til now, to see what stood out in this category of “awe.” I was sweetly reminded of many things the Lord has put in my path that have caused me to stop in my tracks and savor the moment. Some I saw head-on; some I saw after the photo was snapped. All bring me back to a place of gratitude.
Having a heart of gratitude is important to me. It’s a journey, and I’ve been learning more and more over the past few years, and I’m really glad for it. I’ve included a couple of resources at the end of this post that have helped, if you’re interested in checking them out too.
SO, What gives you awe?
Take a stroll today through your photo album and look for the things that have made you pause and take notice—things that found you in awe and appreciation of life :)
To get the sharing started on this #dotelltuesday, here are some of mine . . .
Crystal green waters with MANATEES!!! First time to see these amazing animals!
New trails in the same city, leading to cool mountain brooks, with loved ones dear.
Bright pink azaleas. One of the sweetest reminders of my Azalea City home! :)
Driveway chalk art fun with my most awesome niece!
An early morning sunrise that I just had to stop and try to capture as best I could. (It’s also rare that I’m up so early!)
Surprise yellow roses, a departure from the normal red, from my forever Valentine. He got me these in special memory and honor of my MeeMaw, who passed away late 2018. Yellow flowers were her favorite. My Marky is the best.
“The Special Dog,” made with a special homemade sauce from Sam’s Super Samwiches! We saw them featured on Food Network one Saturday and made the trip to Homewood that day just to try them. Can’t wait to go back!
A casual dinner out with my awesome Mobile family and Mark, at a new place in town. Milkshakes were on the menu and enjoyed!
A momma goose and her babies! A so fun sign of spring :)
Power washing before and after amazingness . . . WHAT?!? How can anyone not love doing this!? Instant joy.
A stunning new view of the Cahaba from a pedestrian bridge in a nearby ballpark. So cool!!
Deep belly laughs with a bestie!
Zoo day with the fam and . . . LIONS! So majestic.
Empty chairs after a family visit . . . a sweet reminder of the life and laughs had around this table.
I have a lot of fun snapping the things of life that make me smile.
I hope these inspire you to take a peek back at your past 5 months of 2019, and answer today’s #DoTellTuesday question:
What gives you awe in life?
And regardless of the harder days and times (because those are just as real for us as the happy ones), I hope you’ve been able to capture some bright spots in the midst of the dimmer ones, and smile all over again.
And if not, then maybe today’s a good day to start! :) Take a walk. Try a new restaurant. Call a friend and hang out. Check out the sky or spring flowers around you. There’s beauty everywhere.
P.S.: Here are a couple of resources I’ve found over the years that have helped train my mind and eyes to see life’s gifts all around. I still miss things, but I still keep trying. If you’re interested in checking them out, see these links:
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal