Reality, looked at steadily, is unbearable

Forgive me if I have used this C.S. Lewis quote as a blog title before. It just rings so true. Not for my own immediate reality, the reality of my quiet, rural life; that in and of itself brings both relief and guilt for having it so easy and safe. I was not born in untenable conditions of poverty, or famine, or war, or gang violence, or natural disasters, or societal pariahhood; I was born white in America, with an 'acceptable' name and face that does not raise prejudice or suspicion. While my near ancestors were immigrants and came with nothing, they came of their own volition and were legally able to work (on my mother's side) or obtain land to farm (on my father's side). Some call this the accident of birth, but it is no accident that there are WAY too many people who have no compassion, no ability or willingness to imagine themselves in someone else's shoes, with someone else's experiences. Even supposed Christians demonize others for these reasons, ignoring the teachings of Jesus and the Bible as a whole – not that that is anything new since early days.... Humans can just be so utterly vile that being one of the species can be depressing – if one looks steadily at that reality.

So look away, friends. Not to the point of being uninformed, but enough to stay sane. Look to beauty, especially in nature, which, despite all the damage done by humans, still reflects the Creator's hand. Remind yourselves of your blessings, and look to humans who demonstrate kindness, selflessness, generosity, good humor, helpfulness, faith. Strive to be that kind of human. And take care of yourself, because everything looks worse if you are short on sleep, fresh air, exercise, plenty of water, and good nutrition. Lastly (but most importantly for me), trust in God. Today is not guaranteed, but eternity is for those who trust in Him.

Making pictures helps me focus, literally and figuratively, on beauty. And I must say, despite the hours, frustration, and the loss of some data that was meaningful to me in switching over to a new phone, I am enjoying the new iPhone's improved camera.

couldn't have captured this distant Redtail with the old iPhone

Sabbath afternoon

Saturday night popcorn is POPULAR!

a pretty morning after the spectacular sunrise above

Notice Broadway at the bottom?

girls with new ear tags, above and below

another long-distance shot I never could have gotten with the old iPhone

Blessings to you from . . .