Do you ever have those days when you’re just feeling a bit blah?
Many of us don’t really like to admit it because few people want to say out loud that their lives are less than perfect, or maybe not all that fun or exciting. Especially through the lens of social media, it may appear to you like everyone else’s life is perfect and happy and content. People are in beautiful places, eating amazing food, experiencing cool things with broad smiles; while you look at yourself sitting on the sofa in your underwear and a t-shirt with a grease stain on it eating left overs and watching reruns.
But that’s life, right?
Challenge of the King
There’s a story I like to tell in sermons and whenever else it feels appropriate. It’s the story of a king with a vast kingdom.
One day, the king, wanting to know more about his kingdom, sent for two servants. The first servant came before the king and he gave these instructions. “I want you to go everywhere throughout my kingdom and I want you to count ALL of the flowers and beautiful things growing.” “As you wish, your majesty,” said the servant as he turned and went on his way.
The second servant came before the king and received these instructions. “I want you to go everywhere throughout my kingdom and I want you to count ALL of the weeds growing.” “As you wish, your majesty,” said the servant as he turned and went on his way.
Some time passed and both servants completed their tasks with diligence.
The first servant came before the king with a smile and full of joy. He said, “Oh dear king! You have the most beautiful kingdom in all the earth! I would love to live out my whole life here! You have so many beautiful things growing throughout your kingdom.” He left the king’s presence with a song in his heart and lightness in his step.
The second servant came before the king with a surly look on his face, stomping as he approached. He said, “Your majesty, this vast kingdom of yours is a mess – totally overgrown with weeds and invasive vines. As I counted, I grew disgusted by what I saw and resolved that I should leave your vile kingdom this very day.” He left still stomping and surly.
What’s the difference between the experience of the two servants? Both surveyed the same kingdom serving the same king and were changed.
The difference is perspective. One was charged to look for beautiful things while the other for weeds.
The Walk
I set out for a walk this afternoon with the threat of rain, but I determined myself to look for beautiful things all around me – things I likely drove past and ignored.
What I found is that there were many beautiful things all around. Each of them unique, special, and beautiful. I saw birds and horses. I even heard a goat bleating. I saw Queen Anne’a lace, tiger lilies, wild blackberries. When the rain came, I saw the change in the green of the plants.
There is beauty in what is tamed and beauty in what is wild.
There is beauty in symmetry and beauty in chaos.
Beauty in vivid colors and beauty in slight shades of green.
Whether you’re feeling blah or things are great, try going for a “Things of Beauty” walk and see what you find. This could be a fun experience with children or grandchildren.
When you see such things of beauty all around you, you tend to notice them more and more. Then you become like the first servant who walks away joyful, with a song in your heart, and a lightness in your step. Today, I walked away with these and profound thankfulness.
If you have a moment, take a look at some of the things I saw along the way.
Epicurious Lutheran 