There is beauty in the world

I see beauty in the first glimpse of green in the Springtime

A promise of things to come

A rebirth of nature

The first blooming purple crocus that pushes up through the snow

Pastel tulips and bright yellow daffodils brightening yards

The trees bursting with pink and white blossoms

As the pale green buds start to unfurl into leaves

Filling in the empty spaces between the stark, naked branches of trees

I see beauty in the warmth of Summer

When the days are long

And children gleefully play in the neighborhood

Riding their bikes and tossing a ball

Chasing each other through the lush green grass of freshly mown lawns

When flowers are blooming in all colors of the rainbow

The sun shines brightly and the evenings are warm

Neighbors outside greeting each other while working in the yard

I see beauty in the cooler days of fall

The leaves erupting in brilliant reds, oranges and yellows

Dressed in their finest for all to behold

The perfect backdrop to a city street scene

Or a country barn and farmhouse surround by explosions of color

The fields golden and the surrounding trees glowing with their fiery brilliance

I see beauty in the starkness of Winter

The barren trees proudly holding their naked limbs up to the battle gray sky

The pristine white of a fresh snowfall blanketing everything in a softness

The only blemish that of a single brown rabbit hopping across the yard

Leaving tracks to show there is life even in the cold isolation of winter

The air so cold that you can see the mist of your breath as you exhale

And feel your lungs contract with the cold as you inhale your first breath of frigid air when you step outside

And I see beauty in the kindness of people

People who return the smile of a small child who is in the restaurant booth next to them

And people who deliver meals to shut-ins and elderly

I’ve seen the kindness of people who donate toys so parents have gifts to give to their children on Christmas morning

And those who give of their money, time, food and even cars to help strangers

People who welcome new neighbors

People who stop to help when they see a car broken down on the roadside

And those who pray for people they don’t know

Yes, there is beauty in the world

Do you choose to see the beauty today?