We have had a very, very busy couple of weeks, both in terms of our jobs and our family. Lots of night events, lots of running around, lots of driving between places. In all of that running around, I haven’t taken as much time as I would like (or should) to stop, breathe, and think about life in general.

It has been a time of hurrying up (getting things done) and waiting (for others to do things). I have made the mad dash to get things done on time, only then to sit twiddling my thumbs for a bit. But because of the pace of the time period, I haven’t used that down time to actually reflect on much of anything.

So late this afternoon, after more events, I went for a walk down to our garlic beds. Those beautiful, vibrant garlic beds that are so much more than just garlic. I stood and looked at them, admired the beauty, realized the scapes need cutting, and took time to appreciate the wonder of the natural world.

As I walked back up the hill to the house, I also realized that the blackberry blossoms are almost gone, and you can see the baby berries on the canes. How did I miss that part of the spring? I missed it because I didn’t take the time to stop and look around.

The message of today? Take the time to look around, to see the beauty and wonder around us.

And yes, I am going to try to take my own advice.