My World Today ~ Nature Versus Life ~ Photo Essay ~ Tuesday Writing Essential ~ Butterflies

As I sit on the front porch, I am in awe at the beauty that surrounds my world. The river is flowing rapidly downstream with above normal waves at a speed that seems unstoppable. Yet we as humans feel the need to tame this element of nature.

I remember as a child, the butterflies seemed to be flying lower than they do today. As I watch the beauty of the butterfly as it swoons freely in the slight breeze, it goes to greater heights and lower levels in no particular order. It just moves as if it is just happy to be free. Yet we as humans have a tendency to capture these beautiful living creatures, either to collect them or just to prove that we can.

The Robins are abundant today in the front yard. They are in search of worms that are coming ever closer to the surface following the rain. They seem to feel brave as my dog wanders the yard. I can't help but think of the beauty of nature and the grand design that Heavenly Father has for everything.

The trees are nearly in full leaf as the warm rains brings nature to life in my part of the world. The Dogwood is in full bloom as it reminds me of the sacrifice of the Savior and how instrumental he has and is in my life today.

The breeze is so fresh and feels so good on my bare arms as the dark clouds gather in clusters gently lower toward the ground in preparation for the coming storm.

Nature can be used to tell the story of my life. Like my life it comes with beauty as well as storms. 

 It has beauty among the rocks. 

It comes with seasons when it flourishes and seasons of cold in preparation of for the coming season of growth. Far too often I forget that this life is a training time for me and I must learn to grow stronger with the storms or trials just as nature does.

Some days I feel brave as the robins do and some days I feel rushed as the river is. Some days I feel unstoppable as the rapids after the rain. Some days I feel plowed down as the earth does after a tornado. Life is not always pleasant.

 I have good days and bad days just like nature. Life, like  a plant is constantly renewing itself as I grow and increase my talents.

Through it all, I am not alone, I have the Savior awaiting my request for his assistance.   I also have an amazing family who supports me and gives me strength to keep moving forward.

Just like Nature I will have times that I bloom and times that I need to rest from the storms of the day.

It is when the storms of life get me down that I turn to the Savior, my friends, and family for support.  It is during the storms of life that I need others to help me see the beauty that is all around me.