Last month, I ran across this post by Sophie over at LifeWay’s All Access Blog. This particular sentence struck me:
It wasn’t too long after that, when I stumbled upon this quote from Henry David Thoreau:
At this moment, I’m writing while looking out a window at a tree blowing back and forth with the wind. If I was so inclined, I could write about it’s majestic beauty, the size and shape of its leaves and the sturdiness of its trunk as it extends its roots deep into the earth. But, only after a walk outside would it be possible to tell you about the texture of its bark, the rustling whisper of the breeze through its leaves, the birdsong of the mating ritual taking place in its branches. Only then could I describe the scent of spring in the air.
Thoreau’s words of yesterday ring true in Sophie’s words of today. If we start living in the shadow of our words instead of our words pouring forth from the riches of our living, then not only do our words become hollow, but so do our lives.
Off to do some living. You?
Wow!! Melinda, thank you so much for posting this. I would like your permission to use some of this in an upcoming message for a conference at which I will be speaking–actually it is the online conference that I detail on my blog and am giving away free admission to.
Leah
Melinda, I just wrote about this recently myself…only not as eloquently. I LOVE the quotes!!!!! Thanks for sharing them.
Off to do some living!!!
Blessings,
Joy
Great quotes and so very true. I love your thoughts on the subject! Thanks for sharing so beautifully.
This was very fitting for me! I miss you my friend. I hope you are experiencing TONS of new things!!
Oh, Sister, I’m just beginning!! Come on over and see why.
Love,
Yolanda
An awesome word, Melinda. Nuff said… for once!
peace~elaine
Melinda — I’m crafting a post much like yours. Great minds think alike? Maybe God is moving in the hearts of His daughters.
I love all the people I’ve met here in bloggy world, but I also don’t want to miss out on living.
Thanks for a great post, dear one!
Oh, Melinda! This was great… and I admit, a bit convicting for this girl in Michigan! Thanks for the reminder. It was no accident that I saw this post tonight! I hope you are well these days!
Love,
Angie xoxo
Melinda,
Last night Larry and I went to Pass-a-Grill beach to do just this. Sit and listen to the waves, feel the sand, look up at the stars and try to grasp the depth of the universe and appreciate God’s creation–taking in the fact that he wants us to enjoy it. We talked about the entire ecosystem living under the water and the enormity of it. We saw Saturn and the perfectly shaped halfmoon while the cool wind blew (and I mean COOL! brrr). I had watched a Nooma video yesterday called Breathe (watch it if you haven’t–you can google it and watch it for free)–what a message!!! And I said to Larry–so many people wonder their whole lives what life is about, why we are here, what the point is? They work too much and keep so busy that they miss it. I am so glad that we discovered this early on in our lives so that we are truly living now and will have no regrets later.
haven't stopped by in a while, had no idea you moved. Congrats & I pray God's peace and blessings for you!