I decided while driving to work yesterday that I would look for five beautiful things I had never seen before on my countless trips to and from the office. It was an interesting exercise, because it forced me to concentrate my thoughts on beauty, the shadow of truth, rather than spending the time mindlessly or spinning my wheels relative to matters I probably could do little about during my drive in.

Living in rural North Georgia made the task easy, especially given the spring foliage, but I took the time to really appreciate the five things I chose. It occurred to me while I was enjoying the beautiful trees, fields, fence lines, and unpaved roads that genuine appreciation expands the influence of that which is appreciated.

Appreciation magnifies beauty.