Beauty in the Broken

Yesterday, I was walking back to my house. This year I have tried much more to be present and notice change as it occurred so that I don't get to the point where I look around me and think, "Whoa! When did that happen??" I talked about this earlier when I told you about how I am trying to enjoy and notice the change of seasons.

Anyways, back to the story, I was walking back to my house. I had just gone on a short run in the absolutely beautiful weather. It felt like summer in November, and I am not complaining. It was another gorgeous day. Well anyways, I go to the most beautiful school. The change of seasons is incredible here. I snapped this picture of a ginkgo tree just walking back from class the other week. So I was looking around at the wonderful architecture and trees and feeling the warm breeze on my slightly flushed cheeks (it was a short run after all). I then crossed a bridge and looked to my left to notice the train track which runs right behind my house. It was the first time I had really taken the time to stop and look at my surroundings and it was dire sight. The track tracks seemed to epitomize the industrialization that has taken over the natural beauty of this city. It was grimy sight to see the rusted tracks at the bottom of the sloped banks, obviously cutting into the banked land. Surrounding the tracks, trash was scattered across the twisted brush and thorns. I realized how broken and unnatural this sight was. I searched desperately for anything redeeming about the scene that was set before me. It had contrasted so starkly with the splendor of the old columns and changing trees that I was taken aback. And as my eyes scanned the scene, there was a plump, brown bird just sitting in the brush. As I listened, chirps of birds filled my ears. It was beautiful. The sight of that bird just made me think of one of my favorite quotes: "There's still beauty in the broken, it's just harder to find."

This story is a reminder for me and for you to take the time to look for those good things that occur in the midst of brokenness. This story also reminded me of a quote that my campus minister said during a sermon on    "Chasing Time." He said, "I understand that oftentimes the darkness overshadows those good gifts, but that doesn't mean that the good gifts aren't there. You might want something different, but the good gifts are present." I believe that God is good. He is gracious and gives us these good things to encourage us. Don't miss out on these "God-signs."