TOO BUSY TO BE INSPIRED
It had been eight long years since Frank and Darla had traveled down that road. Much had changed, but only the insignificant things really, the truly significant things had somewhat faded from their memory. The majestic red mountains ascending into the clouds from the heavy high desert vegetation seemed more breathtaking than they remembered.
“The pictures just don’t do it justice, do they?” Frank mumbled to his wife. “Uh-uhh,” Darla agreed softly. Frank, the writer, had got within about fifteen miles of the haven several times driving by on the interstate while on business, but didn’t give much thought to the place or the memories he and his wife had made there.
Frank and Darla managed to get a few days away from the hustle and bustle of the city to celebrate their anniversary. No computers, limited cell phone use while they remembered what was fading into a distancing past. They sat above the cottonwood and boulder flanked creek sipping hot coffee in the afternoon mist. They chatted about the memory of the last time they’d visited the enchanted setting. They listened at ease to the sound of the distant creek rushing around and over the boulders that created the rapids coming from the creek. The also watched and listened to the birds in and around the natural setting of life.
The afternoon thunder showers wrapped up the early afternoon matinee and ushered in the sun’s light show dancing through the lingering clouds, bathing the mountain walls in magical light. Frank and Darla made their way down the rocky canyon to get a close up of the creek right before sunset.
The sparkling light struggled to reach the red soil on the damp banks of the creek through the heavy tree line. The close up of the meandering creek revealed the wild life that call that place home. The ducks were beginning to settle in for an early night.
The couple enjoyed the Johnny come lately ducks, flying in from downstream, landing elegantly in front of them as they watched from a spot hidden by bushes and branches. A little squirrel showed up and approached Darla looking for a handout. He, like the sunset, put on a spectacular show for them.
Frank quickly gave the little guy the nickname, Seymour, as the cute little rodent danced around and up a nearby tree trunk. Darla tried to give him a strawberry… Seymour didn’t appreciate the tip and left it behind in search of some nuts.
The simple beauty of life passes us by as we speed by on the interstate of life, not taking the time to enjoy God’s beauty along the way. The realization crept over Frank as the setting inspired his writing that had gone stale…
The memory of memories that fueled the great writer’s imaginations had long since escaped Frank. He’d forgotten the essence of pure writing, he’d traded good writing from within for clever writing from the outside in. It just took real living to remind him of that fact…
The best things rarely come from the brain… The best things come from the soul…even when you’re too busy to be inspired.
(Names have been changed to protect the not so innocent…)
Nancy
Sunday, September 23, 2012 @ 7:07 pm
So many times we really don’t even have to go far to see what is already staring us in the face.
Randy and I are making a habit of making ourselves take a break – even is it’s a short break, and only to the park or levee…or to stop in place such as you have mentioned in your piece. We take the camera and look for opportunities. Then we make a practice to give thanks! I tell you, it has made a difference! One of those ops came to us recently (check out my FB page with the squirrel. You’ll laugh.)
Soooo…..I guess YOU will be driving a little more slowly these days, eh? LOL!
Floyd
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 6:47 am
That’s great advice, Nancy… I almost posted a picture of Seymour the squirrel, but wanted to give a shot of Sedona. Can’t get anything past you! Thanks!
bill (cycleguy)
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 2:22 am
You make a good point Floyd. So easy to lose sight of the beautiful because of the rushed. Thanks for the reminder to slow down.
Floyd
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 6:48 am
Thanks, Bill. Well said. I guess we can all use a reminder now and again…
April
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 7:11 am
It’s interesting how easy it is to lose our inspiration to write. I haven’t written much lately because my life has been so busy that I have lost my inspiration. Every so often I find a spark of it and write something good. But I’ve always believed that if it’s just mediocre and you aren’t feeling it, don’t write at all.
Floyd
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 5:57 pm
I hear you, April. Sometimes it escapes us and we don’t even know it… Thanks for sharing!
tcavey
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 8:44 am
The inside out. I’m guilty of getting too busy to enjoy the beauty of the world.
But my toddler is helping me recapture the awesomeness of God’s handiwork.
My son is fascinated with the moon and stars. I must say, I’ve never looked at the sky as much as I have these past few months. I’m learning so much about the moon cycles thanks to my kiddo. He gets really upset when he doesn’t see the moon.
It really is beautiful. God has created such amazing things for us to behold.
Floyd
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 5:58 pm
Amen, TC. We really should take the time to admire the things that speak of God’s majesty… I just have to remind myself once and awhile…
Jay Cookingham
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 12:25 pm
Amen bro’…one of my favorite quotes speaks to this….
“We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and private: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship.” ― C.S. Lewis
Floyd
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 5:59 pm
Thanks, Jay. I’ve never read that… Maybe that’s one of my problems?
Jason Stasyszen
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 12:26 pm
I get to live in one of the most beautiful places. We have mountains, waterfalls, streams, and all kinds of amazing things, but busyness still gets the better of me. There will be times I’m driving to the “next appointment” and look out to see these majestic mountains surrounding me and I just stop and say, “Wow. God, You did all this and I’m thankful.” Sad that we lose sight of those things, but glad He draws us back before we wander too far. Thank you, Floyd.
Floyd
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 6:01 pm
Thanks, Jason. I need to take more time to be in reverence of His mighty hand on a daily basis. Thanks for the tip.
Ngina Otiende
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 5:59 pm
I love this – “The best things rarely come from the brain… The best things come from the soul”
This is such a timely post, right at a time when am rediscovering and clarifying my soul-writing.
Thank you for sharing and thank God for those two not-too-innocent people for being an inspiration.
Floyd
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 6:04 pm
Thanks, Ngina. I appreciate being able to be part of your soul writing. And thanks for stirring mine!
Hazel Moon
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 6:01 pm
This is so true that around are beauties just off the main high way, we just need to stop and sip the coffee and reflect. We have squirrels here on our property. They love the Oak trees with the acorns. Our dogs would like to catch one, but not so far. They are quick. Thanks for sharing at Tell Me a Story.
Floyd
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 6:05 pm
Thanks, Hazel. Time to reflect is the key. I get too busy often to “muse” the things of God. When we do it never ever passes without revelation and impact. Thanks for letting me share this on your site!
Crystal Mary Lindsey
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 9:54 pm
Yes, the best things do come from the soul, within our very life core. Sedona is beautiful, I saw it the first time from the pillion on my husbands Harley. The second time we went with friends. It does need to be seen to be appreciated.
Floyd
Monday, September 24, 2012 @ 10:30 pm
Thanks, Mary. I’d love to see it from your perspective. It is a joy to share it with others, especially our loved ones. It does more for our soul than I can yet put into words.
Lincoln Parks
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 @ 5:25 am
Floyd, you caught me on this one. Its rare that I sit back and enjoy nature. Actually I haven’t it done it recently in past memory and this is definitely something that my family and I need to do more often. We are always rushing here and there in our own little worlds while God’s beauty is so still.
This is teaching me to be still sometimes. Just look, watch and listen without moving. Thank you so much!
Floyd
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 @ 7:09 am
Thanks, Lincoln. I think we all need a reminder once in a while… I know I do for sure, but what a blessing it is to be inspired by the works of our Father.
Mike
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 @ 6:23 am
It’s very challenging not to get caught up in all the bells, whistles, and business of this world without God as our anchor. I’m fortunate that my kids are mostly grown, and the area I live in is definitely slower paced than many. I am also blessed with God’s beauty all around me. No matter what direction I go from my house, there are trees and valleys and rolling hills that some call the Ozark Mountains. I love it here, and it is such a blessing to go out on my deck in the morning and talk to God while looking down at the tree lined lake.
Floyd
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 @ 7:10 am
Wow. That sounds nice, Mike. To be aware of the beauty is a blessing all unto itself. Every day is a gift.
Betty Draper
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 @ 9:16 am
Brother you and Bill are on the sameave link. Been there too many times to count when I was caught up in a whirlwind of being too busy. I also think there are seasons of life when God keeps us busy enjoying his most prized creations, “people.” Those times we were inspired by the lives around us. Then comes the season we are in now, no children in the house, time to take that drive to view God’s earthly creation or sit and ponder the beauty of all He has done in our life. I am sure we have missed a lot along the way by being too busy but God has a way of making up for those times during this season. In this season there is more time to be inspired by Him and Him along, not his creation but the creator. To every thing there is a season. We are heading toward the ultimate season…eternity, talk about inspiration…blessings
Floyd
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 @ 10:04 am
Thanks for sharing that wisdom, Betty. I agree, it is about the Creator, not the creation and seeing His works makes me think and be inspired in ways only God can provide. The ultimate season… The weather will be perfect…
Dan Black
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 @ 10:14 am
Great points! It’s about nurturing our soul by having spiritual disciplines and being around other people. When our soul is nurtured then we are more inspired and motivated.
Floyd
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 @ 5:21 pm
Very well said, Dan. Man, I think I’d better jot that down!
Audra Krell
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 @ 9:28 am
I knew right away who “Frank” really is. Great writing Floyd, as you said, the best comes from the soul. But I disagree my friend, I don’t think you’ve traded anything away, your writing is always good. It was just much easier this time. Thank you for the great, beautiful story, I was right there with Frank and Darla, does that mean I need to change my name too?
Floyd
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 @ 1:48 pm
Thanks for the kind words, Audra. You’re such an encouragement.
Oh, and I guess you didn’t get the memo? Your name has already been changed! I thought you knew? Yeah, from now on in stories written here or on your site the code name for you is, “Adrian.” Not like, “Yo – Adrian,” just “Adrian.” With a capital A of course…
Audra Krell
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 @ 1:56 pm
I’m just so thankful I’m not the cute rodent. LOL
Floyd
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 @ 2:13 pm
C’mon! You know me better than that, Adrian!
Audra Krell
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 @ 2:14 pm
Yo, you know I do.
Floyd
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 @ 2:34 pm
You really fell hard for this new “pen name” thing…
Joanne Norton
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 @ 11:19 am
Yes, busyness catches us in an overwhelming stage of life. One reason I’m looking forward to portions of my trip to the NW and a bit South is because of what I will see, even when on the Interstates, b/c the scenery comes right to the edge of the road. And history slips in. And connecting with the Lord on a daily basis… more insightful and intense than when home. Not just going and doing, but Being with Him… talking on the phone with my hubby, sharing the daily details with him. Always look forward to that focus on life instead of being so sidetracked by bits and pieces.
Blessings.
Floyd
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 @ 1:50 pm
“Being sidetracked by the bits and pieces.” That certainly sums it up quite well, Joanne. It is easy to get caught up in it, it’s like a vacuum; we become numb to the pulling force on our soul and don’t even realize it until God allows something to shut it off… Great call.
taunetnelel
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 @ 1:25 am
First time here, courtesy of Ngina.
Great to read this. Just in time, because God has been reminding me about the simple pleasures that I often take for granted. Even breathing, we are living miracles just by the fact that we are breathe. I will take a cue from this post and take time to be still in God’s awesome creation. Thanks Floyd, I will be back here more often.
Floyd
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 @ 12:03 pm
Thanks, Maureen. We all need a reminder now and then I think. And thanks for stopping by. I’m looking forward to the interaction over at your site as well.