The audiobook kept me company on my drive.
I was tracking with Mindy Kaling, laughing as she read her book.
I was startled from my read-to-me trance by the view in my rearview mirror.
I drew a surprised breath in.
I paused Mindy.
Splendor was reflected back at me.
And I couldn’t look away.
The sunset behind me was the most majestic magenta sky I’ve ever seen.
I pulled over.
I couldn’t drive with my attention on what was behind me.
I stood there, beside my car
with everything around me veiled in pink.
I tried to breathe it in,
capture the beauty and save it for another day.
I almost missed this.
The pink splendor was happening
whether or not I noticed.
I am so glad I saw what was happening around me.
It was a sunset that should not be missed.
There are times that I almost miss something –
moments when I catch a moment at the
tail end of its you-can’t-look-away show.
I chide myself and beat myself up
for not paying attention
for missing it again
for being distracted again.
But I forget most of the time
about the rearview mirror.
That usually whatever I am missing is
close enough
that I can turn around
and run to be part of whatever is happening.
I can pause and just give in to the moment.
The rearview mirror can be kind –
it’s not always a mean bully.
Objects in the rearview mirror are closer
than they appear and
moments are more beautiful
than I often give them credit for.
The laughter coming from the other room?
Stop and enter into the fun.
The brave friend trying something new?
It’s not too late to join her.
The kind soul who gives and gives
and who often goes unnoticed?
It’s not too late.
Check your rearview mirror
and participate in the beauty
you can’t look away from.
Take a look in your rearview mirror. What do you see? There’s a good chance it isn’t too late. Turn around and participate in the beauty you see.
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