Revelation on Route 175

Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places

where other people see nothing.

 

--Camille Pissarro

So we were driving down 175 towards home after a dinner at the Columbia Crossing Maiwand when my husband said, "We're so lucky to live here."

It had been gray and rainy all day and we were on probably one of the most uninspiring routes in Columbia. His comment startled me.

"What made you say that?"

"Because we're so lucky to live here." He paused, as though that needed no explanation. Then he added, "It's safe here. And we have a home. And everything that we need."

Then I thought, not of rainy days and suburban roadways, but of war-torn lands far away, and racism, violence, and hopelessness not so far away. I didn't really enjoy being jolted out of my crankiness, but I acknowledged the truth in what he was saying. We were looking at the same vista and seeing something so different.

What he saw was colored by the wisdom of a grateful heart. What I saw was limited by impatience, frustration, and disappointment. Things and people that could be better. Should be better. But I had to admit that he was right. And this morning when I saw the quote posted above it made me think of that brief exchange on Route 175.

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing."

Some people don't think much of the Village where I live, Oakland Mills. Sadly that negative attitude seems to rub off on some folks who actually live here. They believe all the bad press instead of looking around and really seeing the beauty around them. That's why I've been working with a group of friends on the Oakland Mills is Awesome Facebook page--to shine a light on all the beautiful things in our humble place.

Yesterday Daniel Kirk-Davidoff, in discussing his candidacy for the Oakland Mills Village Board, said,

We want to increase and foster and proclaim awesomeness in Oakland Mills.

After a year of negativity and decisions based on negative thinking, our village board truly needs people who see beautiful things in humble places and want to increase, foster, and proclaim them.

We are truly so lucky to live here. I may have needed a reminder last night. We all need a reminder sometimes. Today I'm especially grateful for Oakland Mills friends and neighbors who make this such a wonderful place to live.

 

 

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