In its own way.
We sang this song in 6th grade choir.
It always seemed kind of melancholy to me.
I don’t know if it’s the melody–or the fact that the reality of our culture is in such stark contrast to the lyrics–but it kinda made me sad.
Today, I have to say that the following photos brought the words to life in a totally new way.
Something like this big pile of cluttered jumble of skates and boots and mitts and sticks near our front door on a cold day–even something like this–can be beautiful.
Because someone I love loves this.
My boys love to skate. And play hockey with their friends. In the snow and bitterly cold weather.
They come home with glowing faces and proud smiles, holding hands.
So, it’s beautiful.
And it’s hard to dislike winter under the circumstances.
Even if, on my own, I would not always perceive the beauty.
In a pile of skates and sticks, blocking the doorway.
On a winter’s day.
Il Bel Far Niente 
This reminds me of the first time my dad went to Mexico because of an invitation from a missionary friend. I was in high school at the time, and before this trip, Dad was consistently irritated with the state of shoe disarray in front of the door that led into the house from the garage. There was constant nagging to “get those shoes picked up.” And when I say nagging, I mean there was always disdain in his voice.
I remember so clearly the day he got home from that Mexico trip; the very first thing he did was hug me and tell me how he loved me and how much I meant to him, and that even my shoes didn’t bother him anymore. In fact, they were a beautiful thing because he had a daughter who he loved and who loved him. And a pile of shoes represented that somehow.
MOM, THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ❤ you
Love this little snippit and of course, seeing the boys in the photo. You have great boys!!!
what a wonderful photo of your boys and what a wonderful sentiment in your blog.
although i find winter challenging too, i also find incredible beauty in softly falling snow, sunshine making a diamond crust on marshmallow fields, icing sugar frosting on tree branches, the stark relief of trees against the crystal clear blue sky.
That photo of the boys says it all. Love, joy and living in the moment.
oh my word I Love this picture!! I would LOVE a copy of it!!! it’s so frameable, and priceless!!! how very special rachel…you are blessed!
Love that big brother is watching out for little brother. Great picture – thanks for posting.