Last year was a tough year for everyone. Adjustments to the realities of Covid 19 forced us to make some drastic changes in our lifestyles. One of these changes involved finding creative ways to exercise away from the gym and crowds. For me the answer was a twenty year old bike restoration. New tires and tubes, along with a little WD-40 and some lights, was all it took, and I was up and riding. It started with slow casual rides of about 5 miles. It has evolved to ten and fifteen mile rides lasting an hour to an hour and a half. I have enjoyed finding new places to ride around the city. One of my favorite places to ride is a park near the house. It has a wide circular path in a habitat restoration area. The City of Houston has planted trees and foliage all around this pathway. This spring the wildflowers have bloomed on both sides of the path. Along with the flowers and plants, there are many different species of animals and reptiles crossing the path. As I ride on the circular path, I keep saying to myself that I need to bring my camera and get some shots of the many varieties of colorful foliage and wildlife before they disappear with the sweltering summer heat.
Well, I finally took the time to take a few photos and video clips of the beautiful scenery nature provides me with during my daily bike rides. My grandmother and my mom have both passed away. They both are responsible for my interest in the beauty of flowers and greenery that is all around us. They both put to action the phrase “stop and smell the roses”. My wife has always loved the beauty of a colorful flower bed and a field of wild flowers. We both are enjoying her bountiful results of planting and gardening around our house.
As I ride around the circular path each day, I enjoy seeing new blooms and new creatures. The ever changing landscape makes me appreciate the simple beauty God has put on earth for our enjoyment. Sometimes we get so busy in our daily lives that we miss the beauty God has put all around us. Not only in the flowers and natural surroundings, but also in each other. Everyone and everything has a uniqueness all to itself. No one thing around us is exactly the same. That difference makes the world such an interesting place to be, and we can celebrate it daily. The diversity and variety of God’s creations provides us a daily kaleidoscope for our enjoyment. Take the time to get outside and enjoy all the beauty God has placed in the most unlikely places in your world. Look for the good and colorful aspects in your life and celebrate the uniqueness of all that is around you. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, ” Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather it should that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” I hope as you go through your day you can see the inner beauty of all those around you. Slow down, and smell the roses.
I made a short video as I always do with the photos and video I shot that day. I hope you enjoy it. God bless you and thanks for reading my blog.
Tim Lumpkin
Blog: Legacy-Outdoors.net
Instagram: @tlump10
Legacy Outdoors 