Day Seven of the 10 Days of Awe: Wise counsel

Day 7

How would you like to improve yourself and your life next year? Is there a piece of advice or counsel you received in the past year that could guide you?

"Live simply in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior, God wants us to live."  1Timothy 2:1-2 (The Message version)

 I was standing in the woods a few days ago waiting for mountain bikers to zip past me so I could snap their picture. The annual Jailbreak off-road triathlon was in full swing and I am one of the photographers for this canoe-bike-run competition.  Chickasaw Trace Park is a lovely setting for this event and I loved the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the awesome fall day.

 As I was standing there, a small breeze nudged the first few leaves from the trees.  They fell in small whispers to the ground.  The moment was captured like a photograph that you thumb-tack to the bulletin board above your desk.

Wise counsel has been known to happen in the most unique places and from the least likely people.  In my 50+ years on this globe I’ve had awakening moments-- while sitting in church, chatting with a friend,  drinking a well-made cup of coffee, from a preschooler in Sunday School, in unwanted dreams, while eating comfort food,  watching the hundred-millionth sunset--or, like that day, listening to the sounds of the leaves falling.  They were reminding me to be present in the moment. To be more mindful of the things around me. 

This year I hope to stop, look and listen more.

What are you hoping for?  Who will help you find it?