12.09.2011

Perspective.

I'll be honest here, I've had a pretty awful few months. 
And it won't be getting better any time soon.


Inside my heart has been a strange, intense brew of 
excitement, fear, joy, rage, and anxiety.
For many reasons that I won't go into here.


But isn't it funny how right in the middle of it all, 
right when you think you just can't take another moment 
of the unrelenting emotional burden,
you find yourself awestruck by the sublime, stark nakedness of a cold winter day. 

And it takes your breath away.


It makes you stand back from your life a bit, and take in the largeness of the 
regal simplicity that surrounds us.
The history of things that have seen tremendous tragedy 
cozied up to unspeakable joy.  
And yet, still they stand. 
Etched with stories lived and the promise of stories yet untold.
It helps you understand that our lives are small in comparison.


That as time passes, things and circumstances begin to fade with a worn grace, 
a statement of tenacity and endurance thru the storms,
a tapestry of the unique way life weaves itself into us and our surroundings. 


That the cyclical nature of the seasons are just the way of all things
and even in the passing on of the old, 
there is immeasurable beauty and elegance.
And hope for the new yet to come.


There is the acceptance that in all things, this too shall pass
....and will come 'round again.

That new perspectives are always just around the next corner.


That an expanded view can bring fresh understanding,
 more appreciation for the simple contrasts that exist 
within the same frame of our lives.


How things that are past being 'perfect' are much more worthy of adulation and a soft glowy focus of remembrance and appreciation just because they continue to BE.


These things remind us that life goes on.  
And on.  
And three weeks, three months, three years from now...


...the landscape of my life right now will gently fade 
to pixelated, grainy snapshots, like old newpaper clippings.
A stark testament to an incredible, messy, difficult, glorious season of my life.
Lived.


These images were captured quickly, 
with the intent of simply documenting the grounds of my daughter's upcoming wedding venue. 
Instead, I was later astonished to find imprinted upon my memory card some rather inspiring shots,
and felt compelled to share how they shaped my heart and breathed on my spirit 
this dark December day, 2011.

cindy

Linked to Laurie Anna's Farmhouse Friday
Katharyn's White Wednesday
Debra's Vintage Inspiration

21 comments:

Jen said...

Your words went straight to my soul today. Very poetic.

Pretty pictures, too. :)

NanaDiana said...

Cindy- What a beautiful, poignant message. I was pretty sure that something was going on in your life because you haven't been your usual sassy self!;>) I am saying a prayer for you that life evens out. The pictures you took are just touch my soul..and your words could not be truer.

I hope the wedding plans are going okay~ xo Diana

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This is a lovely, insightful message...so often after we go through something difficult, our lives change in a way we never saw coming or imagined...in a good way. Hoping things work out for you soon!

Ginger said...

Visiting here today for the first time; your photos are stunning, your words, beautiful.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Poignant, but quite beautiful, words.
Brenda

Sheila said...

Great post. Have you read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp? Your post reminded me of her writing. I've started to keep track of all God's gifts to me (inspired by the book and her blog). A Holy Experience is her blog.

Maureen said...

Very.well.said.

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Congratulations on your daughter's upcoming wedding. My daughter was married this past October and her venue was a farm. You'll love it! I posted photos of her wedding on my blog and still enjoy looking at them. Have fun planning the wedding!

Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants said...

Beautifully said Well said I hope you relief comes sooner than later. (hugs)

Polly said...

well said. you have captured the current state of my life and emotions perfectly. thank you for the reminder that "this too shall pass". you're in my thoughts!

Polly

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

You sound like you need a break from real life. Maybe just a weekend?
Time heals everything. It really does. It's just that sometimes it takes more time than we think we can stand.

lisaroy said...

Lovely post. I hope you find some inner peace soon xo

rebecca @ older and wisor said...

Sounds like we need a girls night out.

For shizzle.

Unknown said...

your words are beautiful. I am sorry your life has been tossed about. Those seasons in our lives are never fun, and always seem they will have no end. Keep faith, the season always ends.

fixitfaerie said...

Not knowing your circumstances, I can, still feel your pain. The Lord will see you through this low time. Whatever, it, is will crop up at odd times, and you may, cry, be sad, or just be, but life does go on. I, know, I've been there too. Blessings

deb said...

Your post today almost seems like you wrote all the things I've been feeling, thinking and trying to understand.

Whatever you going through you will get through it and be a better person for it. Change in inevitable, it how we handle it it that matters.

Much easier said than done, I know that very well.
Know that I'm thinking and pryaing for your strength to endure the tasks at hand.

Take care of you, another thing that is easier said than done. We always think of everyone else and think it selfish to think of ourselves. But we need to listen to not only our bodies but our minds.

Take care and hang in there, you are not alone.
*hgs*deb

Amy W. said...

thinking of you and your family through these times of happiness and feelings of unfairness. ~hugs.

Holly said...

We know you've been through and are stilling going through a sad time. We're glad you're still blogging because we like you and you're so funny too! Your post today was just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Glorious pictures, beautiful words.

Heaven's Walk said...

Your prose and photos today were just beautiful. Written from the heart with so much emotion. Thank you for sharing that part of you with us....and I pray that your soul finds peace and comfort very soon.

xoxo laurie

Charlotte Wilson said...

cindy,

this was a lovely and inspiring post! You are so eloquent with your words and emotions. Thank you for sharing. may God bless and hide you beneath His wings.

♥charlotte

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