God has done a lot since the last time I was here. I'm not sure the best way to recap it all. Let's say, I've seen a lot of beautiful scenery. Rolling hills. Glowing green mountains. Fuchsia pink sunsets. Mighty trees. Vast lakes. A little Heaven on Earth -Idaho is like this and I'm becoming an Idaho girl a little more every day. I'm sure my Idaho ancestors would be proud.
I've met new people. Made new friends. Found laughter with many of them and have new memories to share with them. My old friends are still here too. I think I'm learning to open up a little more every day. I kind of feel like it's hard to do that as adult, but I'm learning to let go and let others in. It's a glimpse of beauty, really.
I have a new job! I'm a teacher; a job I was unsure of, but a career that is a way of life. I know I was made for it. I'm excited to have my own classroom again. It's the one thing I'm positively sure of in my life. I am a teacher. I was made for this. I can't run from it. It is inside of me. Always.
Most of all, I think God is teaching me that with patience comes beauty. He reminds me that in waiting, beautiful things spring to life. It's kind of like my adventures. I went hiking with a friend and on both of our hikes I settled for a pretty view rather than the beautiful view. I needed to be a little more patient for the real beauty to come into focus.
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"Alyssa, these waterfalls are pretty! Let's eat lunch here!" I say with contentment."The map says that if we keep hiking for a little longer, there is supposed to be a better view. Something more beautiful!"
I roll my eyes, "Are you sure?"
"Come on, Sheila, let's keep hiking. It's going to be beautiful!"
A much better view indeed! Stories of falling water, tumbling over rocks and crashing to the river below.
"Wow! Now this is gorgeous!"
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It's just like that hike for me. I settle for pretty when God wants to give me beautiful! He whispers,
Keep going, Sheila. Don't settle for the pretty view when the beautiful one is around the corner. Keep hiking.
So I do and God gives me a little glimpse of beautify just as I start to question.Whether it be a glimpse of beauty in the mountains, an exchanged smile with a friend, an "ah ha" moment with a student, or growth and love in a relationship. God is always giving us beauty a bit at a time... so to you, reading this, Keep hiking! The road may be long, but I promise the beauty is waiting for you! One glimpse at a time.
