Awakening

I added the new photo to my header as a pointer to the awakening that I feel this time of year. We so often find beauty in the fine new snow, or fresh new grass and flowers. There is beauty in summer's shaded waterfalls and bright fall leaves, but what about the space between them all?
To me there is an awakening such as when we waked before our family and there is minimal light. Time spent in the dark can seem so bleak. Sort of like this old tree. What a bleakness it inspires when you first gaze at it.
Then, you suddenly awaken to its beauty. Kind of like when you begin to enjoy that quiet in the morning, listening for the stirring of your loved ones. Finding time to be alone with God. Maybe having a cup of tea in solitude and silence. These things can take on two different side: bleakness of dark or beauty of dawn.
Like this old tree, we have beauty that we hide inside. How others look at us is not about us, but about them. Know that in the stillness of morning, God can speak to us and remind us that we have much to offer, as I am sure this tree had been blessed for many years.
Awake, my friends, and see the beauty within.