I didn't like this book. at all.
That is until I went to book club tonight.....
and heard jane read her favorite part. It was enchanting.
I think I would have loved the book if she had read the whole thing to me.
Then to be cozy all together discussing the book, and life, with some
of the most amazing women, and friends. well, it is just something
i am really going to miss.
a lot.
especially while sipping limeade, and
eating Jane's homemade peach cobbler.
The book was kind of a tragedy of sorts, and then we started discussing
the tragedies that we see around us. Sad things happen in this life.
It seems almost daily that i learn of another heartbreaking situation
in the life of a friend.
Let alone so many atrocities that happen all over the world every day.
I can understand how one might feel
overwhelmed, fearful, and overcome with it all.
One of the characters in the book felt this way. But in her moment of
despair she was able to recognize a moment of pure peace and beauty.
Here are her thoughts on the matter.
"Thinking back on it (her moment), this evening, with my heart and my stomach
all like jelly. I have finally concluded, maybe that's what life is about:
there's a lot of despair, but also the odd moment of beauty, where time is no
longer the same. It's as if those strains of music
created a sort of interlude in time, something suspended, an elsewhere
that had come to us, an always within never.
From now on, I'll be searching for those moments of always within never.
Beauty in this world"
I edited the quote slightly and didn't give all the details to not give away the book's
secrets, in case you want to read it. Warning, it takes half way through the book to start
to really enjoy it. At least that's what they tell me. ha.
But isn't that the truth? Amid the despair, there are moments of pure peace, understanding,
and beauty. And we appreciate them all the more knowing that they don't last.
Like youth, like flowers, like sunsets. etc. They are special moments
in time where the world seems to stand still and our spirit is renewed.
We are strengthened by the good and beautiful.
A couple of days ago I had one of those moments as I enjoyed the
beauty of these roses. I actually felt my Heavenly Father's great love for me
as I thought of the enjoyment that looking at beautiful flowers truly brings me.
A lot of thought was put into creating
such a wide variety of flowers with all their amazing colors and details.
Really, everything detail of beauty on this earth.
I am so grateful. Grateful for the beauty of this earth, and for that moment
in time when I really felt that gratitude.
Today's moment came when I was rushing around, moving
laundry, cleaning up, making dinner, so I could get to book club.
I was also very distracted thinking about some sad news I received today.
And constantly praying for them.
I asked ammon to get in his seat to eat his dinner.
His reply was,
"Mommy, I just want to cozy you on the couch,"
in his little sweet voice.
He didn't want to eat, he just wanted my undivided attention for a moment.
No distractions, no racing around, just hugging and being together.
It was one of those beautiful moments that you stop and savor.
Like book club tonight.
It was one of those long wonderful moments of warm goodness.
Something I will remember always, and be grateful for
when the moments of despair come.
And they come all right.
But oh those precious moments. They are there for the taking.
That is the taking notice of. Look for them.
I would love to hear one of your latest favorites.
