Stop & Smell The Roses

image via Rifle Paper Co.

On my way home the other night, I was sitting at the same stoplight I've waited at numerous times, but this time I noticed the beauty in the little patches of cacti and the murals painted on the pillars of the bridge and thought of this quote: "I made up my mind not to care so much about the destination, and simply enjoy the journey" by David Archuleta. Then I thought about what the Bible says in Matthew 6:31-34, "So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

This mentality causes me to appreciate where I am today. Instead of dwelling on the future and longing for things I don't yet have, I have to shift my focus and my heart to a state of thankfulness for the blessings I have today. For example, today I am thankful for iced coffee and oatmeal (which is most days!) after staying up too late worshiping my wonderful Father through songs and conversations with some amazing friends. I'm thankful for the way God has led my career path, and that today I work in an area of the fashion industry I never saw myself in. I'm thankful that today is Friday and I have a fun-filled weekend ahead that doesn't involve the bar scene. I'm thankful that in this season of singleness I have free time to devote to: meeting friends for dinners or coffee, curling up on my couch with a good book on a Saturday afternoon, hanging out with 9th grade girls every Wednesday night, be trained in numerous classes my church offers, and the list goes on.

Being eager and excited about the future is not a bad thing unless it causes you to overlook what's around you today. If I view today as simply a waiting period, I miss out on the opportunities all around me to experience God's provision, goodness and faithfulness. Like Matthew states, it's God's job to provide for my needs and it's my job to seek His kingdom by opening my eyes to opportunities. In other words, I need to stop and smell the roses, look for the beauty that exists all around me today, and trust that God, the creator of all things, is holding my tomorrows in the palm of His hand. When I consider my life, it's very different than what I envisioned for myself, but it's exactly what I need. I wake up each morning with a grateful heart and ask God to lead my day. 

One. Day. At. A. Time.

 

Photography by Justin James

This mentality also applies in the literal sense. I've lived in Dallas my whole life yet since I've started blogging, I see this city through a new lens. I'm always on the lookout for a neat place to take pictures. Justin suggested the Belmont Hotel in Bishop Arts and it was SO COOL! I felt like I was on vacation in Cali just stepping foot on the grounds then I looked to my right at the most beautiful view of the Dallas skyline. Needless to say, this was the perfect spot to showcase my Marc Jacobs jumpsuit I purchased the summer I lived in Los Angeles. Yes, that means I've had it for years so I'm excited that it's still fashionable. I love that it's an entire outfit in one like a dress but it's PANTS! Since it's a whole lot of navy, I threw in a pop of color with an orange necklace and decided on neutral wedges. I added my tan and gold turban headband to funk it up. Lastly, I'm wearing my new favorite summer lip stain, Coral Dream from Chanel. To take this jumpsuit from day to night, I'd wear a messy high ponytail, black heels and some statement jewelry. 

Have a great weekend!

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