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Topic: Rest (06/14/04)
TITLE: Mastering Rest By Dan Blankenship 06/18/04 |
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Cloud gazing is a universal practice. It doesn’t matter what country one is from, nor does it matter how many birthdays have passed, there is just something restful about gazing up at that fluff in the sky that reminds us of how blessed mankind has been. Our world is amazing, and we can see it best when we are at rest, simply soaking up the surrounding pleasures and gifts from our Creator. Whether it be a eye-catching sunset or the gentle hopping of a bunny in a well manicured garden, this world is full of beauty we often miss when we are not at rest.
My vacation is coming to an end, but my pledge to slow down enough to see the beauty of my surroundings has been renewed. I must no longer become so involved with the “daily grind” that I forget to gaze at something of splendor throughout the day. Whether it be the grace and skill of my daughter, the soccer player, centering the ball for another forward to gently head towards the goal or the long process of a robin working feverishly to build a nest on a hot Summer day, our lives can become more restful when we stop to observe.
As a writer, I have become accustomed to marveling at the masters of my chosen profession. I’m amazed at their ability to make words become a portrait of nature and surroundings, sometimes painting a picture so accurate that when the reader finally visits the written-about location, they could swear they have already been there. I believe the great writers have mastered the art of rest; they have realized its mystical power to give new vision, new detail, and new respect for the world in which we live. The great writers make every effort to let the majesty of our surroundings do the writing. I believe if one does that, the words will fall in to place, and a new masterpiece will come from the important act of mastering “rest”.