To Our Youth

"Don't let others influence you, be an influence to them"

My drive today

Now a days with gas prices so high, I only go where necessary. But when I do go, I always check out the scenery. Since I was born and able to comprehend things. My parents, grandparents and aunts & uncles have always stressed how important it was to enjoy God's beautiful earth. Where we live, we're surrounded by mountains. Everywhere you look there are mountains. We grew up with stories on how the mountains protect us, but especially how beautiful they are. Everyday we would go out and my family would point out how beautiful everything was. We could look at the same thing every single day, but they always pointed out the beauty. Especially my Mom. She was very persistant that we appreciate what God created.

So of course now, I do the same thing with my kids, cousins, nieces and nephews. Where we live, we have a complete view of the mountains, absolutely breath taking to wake up to. And when we go everyday I make sure the kids look at the beautiful mountains. And it's so amazing that each day the mountains look different. Sometimes they look bigger, smaller, darker, taller, etc. But each day my kids and I take the time to admire what God created, just as I was taught. And I pray that my kids will do the same with their kids.

I can remember on several trips to Florida. I love Florida, I love the beach....but I was so happy to see our mountains when we hit Virginia. And I thank God everyday for giving me the grace to live in our beautiful area. Even if you dont live here....learn to appreciate what God created.