August 9 – Paradox (Light and Shadow)
Paradox
My first thought when I began working on ideas for making an image for the word Paradox was, “Why did I include this word in my list?” Try googling “paradox images” and you will find that there are no images for this word.
Despite my difficulty coming up with images for it, I love the word paradox. All of the deepest truths of life contain paradox at their core. Paradox can be expressed most succinctly as Both And. Instead of life being this way or that way it’s both-and. Sorrow is contained in deep joy. Joy can be found within the deepest sorrow.
“The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth.”
―
Paradox is at the very center of life. Darkness cannot be perceived unless there is light.
In Chinese philosophy yin and yang describe how seemingly contradictory forces are actually complementary and interconnected.
I have found that my greatest strengths seen through a different lens are also my greatest weaknesses, found freedom in discipline, and comfort in going outside my comfort zone. What about you? What paradoxes illumine your life?
Believe
August 10 – Believe
We made a day trip to Iowa yesterday to get together with family. I enjoy leaving the city and resting my eyes on open countryside and farm fields whenever we travel to Iowa. The endless sky vistas and openness feed my soul.
However, I realized at the end of the day that I had not made a photograph for the word Believe. Heading north on the way home I could see heavy weather ahead and decided to capture the view from our moving car. This image has nothing to do with the word believe unfortunately. And I cannot even imagine how to string a story together about how this image fits the word.
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
―
Never-the-less, this is my photo for the day for the word believe.
Bountiful Blessings
August 11 – Bountiful
Bountiful! What a wonderful word to contemplate today. The first thing I thought of was the beautiful lush abundant green right outside my window. But then I began to look around me at my home, clothing, furnishings, food, and hobby materials and realized just how privileged and blessed I am. I have all I need, wonderful family relationships, friends, books, comfort and more. 
It’s helpful to count blessings especially when there are so many all around us. What bountiful blessings light up your life today?
May you walk in beauty.
Just for grins — here is Gracie, another blessing in my bountiful life. This is her favorite spot for morning naps. If I don’t make the bed immediately after arising, she always seems to claim this spot and I (being a total softy) let her sleep undisturbed without making her move.
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