A broader view of life

A flower in bloom on the Woodstock History Center’s lawn. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

There’s a certain freedom in wandering new trails and old roads in the area, searching for fresh, new images to capture with the camera. The weather is warming up, with sunlight streaming through the trees and hills, and the occasional rain blessing the landscape. While the buds on the trees are sprouting their leaves, some of the most compelling views are on the ground, right by our feet.

That was true of tonight's featured photo, showing an elegant flower with hints of purple, soaking in hints of light on a dreary afternoon last Saturday. Its home is the Woodstock History Center's lawn, a favorite spot of mine. It's an ideal place for a quiet stroll, to take in the view of the Ottauquechee River flowing by.

Seeing nature from a broader viewpoint has great value, but so does noticing those smaller, more subtle instances of life which also make a compelling picture. That awareness requires a willingness to slow down and engage with the varied life experiences right near us, grounded in the firm foundation of life. Doing this, I’ve noticed things I might have very easily ignored or taken for granted in the past, like the subject of the photo above. That little flower, with its elegant simplicity, is a humble representative of beauty, peace, and progress. It's a reminder that, as I eagerly search for those qualities, they're abundantly being expressed all around me.

As 2021 continues to bloom, and the activities and routines we've been missing become possible once again, we can have the presence of mind to proceed with a broader view. We can remember — and engage with — the seemingly "smaller" aspects of life that bring us joy, changeless good, and meaningful peace. Those qualities have value far beyond the workings of daily life, and it’s natural for us to share that goodness with others. As we proceed through the week, that is surely the greatest gift we can offer the world.

— Gareth Henderson