It's Okay to Step Back for a While

Can I tell you something?

It's okay to step back for a while.

It's okay to switch off the news, turn down the radio, delete a few apps from your phone.

It's okay to come up for air.

Tread water for a minute then flip to your back and float motionless except for the rocking of the waves.

It's okay to go for a run and let your thoughts swirl and race and slam one after another into your brain.

Then abruptly stop to stand and stare at the green of the mountains against the blue of the sky.

It's okay to close your eyes and let the sun warm your face.

You might gasp when you open them to find two white cranes lifting in flight from the ditch water on the side of the road.

It's ok to cry a little.

And feel breathless at the beauty of our broken world.

Because, yes, the world is heavy and hard.

Harder than you ever imagined it could be.

But, my darling, it's okay to revel in the world's breathtaking beauty when it sneaks in and finds you.

In this world we DO have trouble.

But I promise...

There is beauty here, too.