Finding Beauty - One Thousand Gifts

I am someone who is not a big fan of Ohio. I do not think that it is a very exciting place to live, and I really do not like the cold winters that come with living in Ohio. However, as I read my book this week, I found a quote that stood out to me. It starts by talking about a book that the author notices. It says, "1000 Places to See Before You Die. Is that it? Are there physical places that simply must be seen before I stop breathing within time, before I inhale eternity?" (Voskamp 30). This is only the first part of the quote I wanted to share, but it really drew me into what Voskamp was actually saying. I realized that I also agree with her. There may be things that you want to see and explore before you leave this earth, but there are no rules saying that you have to go see them.

Ann Voskamp goes on to say, "Why? To say that I've had reason to bow low? To say that I've seen beauty? To say that I've been arrested by wonder? Isn't it here? Can't I find it here?" (Voskamp 30). This part of the quote had me questioning my own thoughts about Ohio. As much as I would rather be on a beach in Florida or climbing a mountain in North Carolina, there is beauty right here in Ohio. I just need to open my eyes to see it. Once I do, I think I will be a lot more thankful and happy for what all I am surrounded by.

As I go on to read this book, I think that Voskamp will keep teaching me things, even if it is small, like finding the beauty in everything around you. I am not done with the book, but she has already taught me things that can really make a big impact. She has a way with making the reader feel connected ad I really like that about this book. I'm excited to keep reading and learn about what she will teach me next!

The beauty in Ohio can definitely be seen by this gorgeous sunset shown below:

The link below is to an Ohio website that displays different pictures taken in different parts of Ohio:
http://www.planetware.com/pictures/ohio-usoh.htm