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Stop and Smell the Roses….

Stop and Smell the Roses….

Last updated on: May 5, 2014 at 9:49 pm by Chelsea Patterson

Stop and Smell the Roses…. 2014-05-05T21:49:26-05:00 Chelsea Patterson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Yesterday I visited the National Botanical Gardens.

Oh what a joy it was to wander through jungles of trees, flowers, and exotic plants. I adore God’s creation and seeing His handiwork displayed through nature.

A few friends and I explored the gardens, and our senses were delighted with plants from all parts of the world. As I was strolling along, observing the beauty around me, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself about the irony of the location of the Botanical Gardens. Located just a block away from the Capitol building, it strikes me as humorous that a peaceful oasis is just a stone’s throw away from some of the biggest egos and most “busy” people in America. More than likely, many of them will never set foot in the gardens, and if they do, will they notice the natural beauty for what it truly is?

God’s creation?

Life is typically incredibly busy for so many of us. On any given day, ask someone how they are doing and the typical response is,

“I’m doing good, but I’m super busy…. I’ve got a thousand commitments, and not enough time to fulfill them all.”

We get it.

Most people, myself included are seemingly swamped with work, relationships, actives, etc. As cliché as it may be, yesterday was a good reminder to me to slow down and stop and smell the roses.

How often do I rush through life and miss some of God’s most precious gifts to me?

– A handwritten letter

– Extended conversations

– Listening to the sound of rain

– Deep breaths

– Reading a book strictly for pleasure

– Taking a walk…just because

– Laughing

– Offering a genuine, thoughtful complement

– Listening to a symphony

– Stargazing

– Calling a friend

– Lingering in my time with the Lord

– Telling someone I appreciate them

– Enjoying the smell of coffee –

….and last but not least, enjoying the flowers!

I encourage you to slow down and begin to appreciate some of God’s wonderful gifts to us. They can be so easily overlooked in the midst of being “busy”, but make it your goal everyday to discover how incredibly gracious the Lord is to us!

Beware the barrenness of a busy life – Socrates

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