Sometimes there are no words.

Out of pain.

Out of fear.

Out of self-consciousness.

But sometimes it's out of awe.

I like those moments. Because a lot of my day is filled with words—words in my head, if not on my tongue. And I can go all day buzzing from one thought or conversation to the next. Yet all of these communications surrounding me are on the here-at-hand, the stuff of earth.

Therefore I like it when the stuff of earth draws my attention heavenward.

Because when I think on things above, the stuff of earth finds meaning.

When I think on things above, I find the strength to move ahead when the earth beneath my feet makes me weary.

When I think on things above, even the beauty here below glows with more hope.

A simple drive home tonight, windows down, radio off, gave me a chance to clear my mind of the day's commotion. And so I was better prepared to receive the beauty placed in my vision. And better prepared to allow it to draw my attention to an amazing Creator's artistry.

(*Photo taken from the car window. I pulled over to capture the moment.)

6 a.m. Loud cats
Outside my window. Frisky.
It must be spring now.

Some days success alights upon me:
I'm a helpful volunteer at school, I finish my freelance assignment with confidence, I've exercised and prepared a healthy meal for dinner.
Look—a beam of light is shining upon my brow, crowning me for a day well done!

Some days feel defeated when the day has just begun:
Why do I obsess over small things and keep fussing at the kid?
What happened to my attempt at being more laid back?
Why do I want an entire box of Cheez-Its and Diet Coke to be my lunch?

Most days fall somewhere in between:
some failures; some victories; lots of learning along the way.

When I focus on futile attempts at perfection, I'll only remember the defeated days. Or I'll discount the victories that happened on those in between days.

But beauty can be found in each day when I look for it.
Beauty can be found in me too.

Those scuffs and scratches and bent edges of me testify to the wisdom I've gained in trial and error. And today is no different. I've already experienced parental regret in one hour but found confidence in facing a scary task the next—and it's not even noon yet!

So here's to facing today's trial and error, successes and defeats.
And finding the grace to try again tomorrow.