This Beautiful World

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Jeans & Top: Fab'rik 

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Jeans & Top: Fab'rik 

I am beginning to realize that I have somewhat of an obsession with Greek-style clothing.  And this shirt couldn’t be more Grecian. The colors of this top capture the colors from the flag that we recently saw flying all over the city of Athens. There is something about the softness of this particular shade of blue and the pureness of the white that pulls me in every time. I’m so glad that Fab’rik loves the style as much as I do. 

As I write this post, I am nearing the end of a 10-hour flight back to Nashville from Athens, Greece. We spent the last week cruising the Mediterranean Sea on the Celebrity Equinox, which, as I’m sure you could imagine, was absolutely fabulous (and I’ve never really considered myself a big fan of cruises, but this one certainly passed the test). After starting in Barcelona, the cruise stopped in France, Italy and Greece. Each city brought new forms of beauty – beauty that you often see in pictures but can’t appreciate until you witness it in person.

I found myself talking to God more often than normal this week. There was something about being in unfamiliar settings that caused me to lean on him much more. I prayed for the expected things like our safety, of course; but, mostly, I sang His praises at this beautiful world He created for us to live in. I wish my pictures adequately captured the true color of the sky. No words could do it justice. It just seemed “bluer” this week.

While exploring a new place, we are more likely to point out the beauty of our surroundings. But, how often do we take the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us everyday at home? While the tiny cobblestone streets of Portofino, Italy, left me in complete awe, I am sure they are just streets to the locals. They walk them everyday… no big deal. And while these Italian streets have seen thousands of years of history, the streets we travel everyday are just as much a part of our history.  As such, they should be valued. 

How amazing is that? Just think that with each step, we are walking on a piece of our history. And these steps lead to your beautiful future that you are directed towards each and every day.

What part of your surroundings should you stop to really appreciate today? It could be as simple as looking up to see the beauty in the sky – even if it is a cloudy day. Or, maybe it is stopping to appreciate the beauty of the people who surround you. Whatever it is, I hope that when you recognize it, you take a moment to thank this good, good Father who has given us a beautiful world to live in.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time." - Ecclesiastes 3:11