R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts

"I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field and don't notice it."
Alice Walker

Some people would be offended by the words Alice Walker gave to a character in one of her most well-known books, The Color Purple. It's a great book and a tough, but inspiring, story. And I think the quote above expresses a truth regardless of the words used. God has provided so many amazing things in nature, to bring us joy, to add a touch of glory to the ordinary, to add brilliance to life. Think of a field of wildflowers. Or the pure, powerful beauty of the flint hills with only a sea of wheat and a big, blue Kansas sky. Or what about a cardinal in the tree outside our kitchen window. The color of tulips never ceases to amaze me ... and daffodils. There is one daffodil the color of cream with a soft-baby's-cheek-colored center ... and it's all sort of sparkly. God created these things for our pleasure and joy. And for us not to notice them and appreciate them and be amazed at them is an affront. Today, let's open our eyes to all the incredible, daily miracles around us. Life, itself is a miracle ... but one that's almost too breathtaking to comprehend in all it's splendor. So, just appreciate something small like how radiant and beautiful a tiny violet is or how fleeting and spectacular a butterfly, or how fascinating a hummingbird. The world is full of beauty. Notice it.

"Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss at all with their appearance --but have you ever see color and design quite like it? "
Luke 12:27 (The Message)