With all the negativity in the world these days, I was so pleased to see this reminder of God’s beauty.  Fall is probably my favorite season of the year.  The beauty of the leaves, the transition to cooler temperatures, blanket snuggles, preparation for the upcoming holidays, and of course, boot season.

However, when you think about it, the leaves have beautiful color because they are dying.  Now loss of life doesn’t usually bring happy thoughts.  Some people suffer depression during the Fall and Winter seasons because they are indoors so much.  Many feel extreme loneliness during the holidays.  This year people are staying home more due to the virus situation, loss of jobs, children being schooled at home.

It brightened my day, and many days since, when I noticed this beautiful blossom on one of my azalea bushes.  Some azaleas are made to bloom in the Spring and Fall, but that is not the type I have in my yard.

So yes, a beautiful surprise!  I was in my car, backing out of the garage when it caught my eye.  I put the car in Park, got out and went over to take this picture.

Just as I chose to cherish this bright spot in my day, so it would benefit us all to notice the positives in even the most difficult of seasons.  Gratitude is one of the greatest spirit-lifters.

As the old adage states, take time to smell the roses.  That is when you will be better able to live . . . your life to the fullest.