I would characterize myself as an optimist. I think that most people that know me would wholeheartedly agree with that. Sometimes being optimistic is a decision I have to make, but usually it's just in my nature to look for the good in a situation. In addition to my optimism, I make it a point to take joy in the simple things in life. It's so easy to find the everyday beauty that constantly surrounds us. I like to make an extra point to look for it, for I find that it brings an extra level of joy to my life.

Sometimes, before I get out of bed in the morning, I remind myself to take an extra amount of joy in the beauty and wonder God created. Other times, that extra appreciation of beauty comes naturally. I can go outside and see the simplest things, like a small bird flying to it's nest, and I can almost hear my heart sing.

There is so much beauty in this world. Sometimes we have to look for it, but really all it takes is opening our eyes. We are constantly surrounded by wondrous things. They're everywhere from the sparrow in its nest in your backyard to the Grand Canyon to the European Gothic style cathedrals.

I find that often, we're so surrounded by spectacular images in movies and such, that it's hard to be astounded by things like blooming flowers. It's almost like we've become desensitized to beauty. This means we miss so much of the wonder in the world around us. And there's a lot to miss. It's not to say there can't be beauty in cinema and special effects. In fact, there's a lot to enjoy there as well. But there's something wrong if we stop seeing the worth in the things that aren't so overtly spectacular.

Life is a much richer experience when you can take joy in the every-day things. Enjoying these things is a choice. I highly recommend you make the little bit of extra effort to look for the beauty all around you. There's beauty in the people, in the plants, in the birds, in the sky. All that's really needed to find beauty is to open your eyes and look for it. It's not hard to find, but I do know it's not always easy to be amazed by something. It does take a bit of effort to reawaken that childlike sense of wonder in yourself. But I think the result is more than worth it.

God created so much beauty, so many glorious things. These things are right in front of our eyes. It would be almost irresponsible not to see them. I encourage you to look for the gifts of beauty that God has spread throughout the world. I don't think you'll regret it.