Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Under the Stars

One might think this song reminds me of my estranged husband...  It doesn't. 

 

Amanda is at church camp this week in the White Mountains.  This is where they slept last night:

(photo from 2006)

I can't even imagine...

I'm quite sure that she feels God's presence in her heart more this week then at any other time of the year.  It is the highlight of her life.

Wish I were there.

I have only slept under the stars once in my life...  It was long ago, during a week of camping with a childhood friend.  I slept (or tried to) on a chaise lounge chair...  I remember the sky being crystal clear, the stars dancing and glittering above my head.  How beautiful...

And yet I remember, that no matter how much I wrapped and snuggled the blankets close around me, I was cold...  The bugs were awful, and I barely slept.  Morning came, and my back ached as if I had slept on a bed of nails...

Sometimes beauty has a price.  When you've gone for so long without it, and suddenly it appears in it's rarest form, how can it not leave you simply aching for more? 

I recently gave advice to someone who was feeling down...  I told her to try and notice the little things:  The blue sky as clouds part, the sweet scent of flowers in bloom, the laughter of children, a gentle breeze....

It's time I take my own advice and find beauty and love in those unexpected places.  Sometimes it takes a sleepless night on a bed of nails to realize that beauty can be a simple as walking out your front door.

Wishing you blue skies and gentle breezes..

<FONTCOLOR=#9999FF size="6">~ Chelle

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lovely and heartfelt post....and oh so very true.
Let's both try and take that great advice, k?
Hugs,
nancy

Anonymous said...

Lord, I hope no one rolls to the left! lol
Me and danny use to camp alot and yes, it is awesome to sleep under the stars and yes we nearly froze at times....and I am so glad we went.
love ya,
carlene

Anonymous said...

I just spent a week with Thing 1 at scout camp down in the mountains of central VA.  What a magical time.
--sneakz

Anonymous said...

Memories of sleeping under the stars bring back peaceful, happy thoughts. Forgot about the cold, but it was worth it!

Anonymous said...

That looks like so much fun.  I can't wait to go camping again.

Greg

Anonymous said...

An eye for beauty can't exist with a heart full of beauty. We often do have to endure some hardship to find what life really offers, but it's usually worth the effort.
I do wish, however, that your next encounter is just a bit less trying on your back :)

Jimmy

Anonymous said...

Wow I've slept outside before but inside a tent so I was wet and cold in the morning from dew.
I'm glad you're gonna take some of your own advice there is beauty everywhere.
My daughters wonder why I love the sky, clouds, moon and stars so much. I love them because when I look through my grandson's eyes he is in awe of everything. It's his first time seeing and understanding. Since he's been around I feel that way about a lot of stuff. Beauty just takes my breath away sometimes.
Hope you have a great day.
Take care, Chrissie

Anonymous said...

I used to go camping all the time. Then, I got spoiled and went "luxury camping" in a motorhome. But, there is just something special about sleeping outside like that. Nothing like it.
Pam

Anonymous said...

Michelle ~ I want to thank you for your words of kindness and prayers.  It is appreciated more than you will ever know.  My life is full of blessings...thank you for being one of them.  Big hugs ~ Irene

Anonymous said...

i cant remember ever sleeping outside. Sometimes it is so hard to be thankful for the little things and sometimes it comes easily.
love,lisa

Anonymous said...

I slept outside a few times, but I need a hotel with a blow dryer. LOL Plus I'm such a whimp. I hate bugs.

Anonymous said...

{{{{Chelle}}}}}  Wishing you the same, my friend!!

Much love
Jackie

Anonymous said...

When I was a kid I slept outside (under the stars) all the time in my backyard & in friends backyards.  Your entry brought back such sweet memories...  Makes me want to do that tonight!  LOL....

I'd be afraid that a wild animal would come upon me during the night in the White Mountains....  Great photo!!  The White Mountains are one of my fav places...  : )