family life, spiritual life

Beautiful from every angle

JOY journal

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  Martin Luther King, Jr.

There was a point during a brief trip to my hometown over the holidays that I stood outside a skating rink with our daughters. Had it not been for a career twist or two, they likely would have been among the teens swishing and swirling across the ice.

The Chicago “bean,” actually named Cloud Gate, is so reflective it nearly disappears from some angles.

My city would have become their city. But, that is not how our story unfolded. They skate — in a city that is their own.

And, that is OK.

That moment of deep peace with where we are — spiritually, locationally and in every other way somehow meshed with our first look at the Chicago “bean.” This simple-yet-divine sculpture, technically named Cloud Gate, was not there the last time I visited the city.

That’s me — dead center in the blue coat — surrounded by the reflection of strangers whose paths briefly crossed mine. Still visible for now… 🙂

I love it. Depending on where one is standing, it can disappear or turn reflections into a kaleidoscope or morph a group of strangers into something more than, well, strangers.

The swirl of experiences and images made me think worthy thoughts. About God. About others. About myself.

Wherever I am, whomever I am with, I hope that I can become so reflective of God’s light and love that whatever is not worthy in me disappears.

Discover more from Nora Edinger -- JOY Journal

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Unknown's avatar

Published by JOY journal

After a long career writing for local newspapers — and, on rare occasions, for publications such as The Washington Post — Nora is enjoying a second wind as an innkeeper. She still blogs and does writing projects of special interest. She lives in Appalachia with her husband and a dog named Finn, who is beside himself with joy when the family's daughters have college breaks.

26 thoughts on “Beautiful from every angle”

  4. Wow, I love the beautiful pictures. Were you in Chicago? Next time you come, please let me know so we can have tea time. It will be my honor talking to a church lady who possesses lot of knowledge.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I seriously considered calling you while we were there, but our schedule was so tight we cut everything down to a bare agenda. (We didn’t finalize plans for the trip until a couple of days before Christmas…) Next time, I would love to have tea with you! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Ameen! The quote of Martin Luthar King as well as the thoughts and musings in the posts are beautiful and amazing 🌹🌹🌹

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Lovely post. I’ll be in Chicago in April with a couple family members, and I know when we are at “the Bean”, I’ll think of you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 🙂 You’ll love it if you haven’t already seen it. Make sure you walk underneath even if it’s crowded. I almost didn’t, but it’s too fun to miss!

      Like

  11. I’ve been there a couple of times, but haven’t walked under it. We’ll be sure to do that. Taking my 12 year old grandson for a surprise birthday trip with his mother too.

    Liked by 2 people

Comments are closed.