Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14).

My Yorkie companion, Lilly, and I go for a walk almost every day. Sometimes, I hurry to get my steps in so that I can get home and go back to work. Other times, I slow down and just enjoy the time with Lilly as she explores every rock and flower along the way. (I’ve written before about how Lilly helps me slow down and enjoy our walks. You can read that post here.)

During the quarantine, I’ve worked to be intentional on our walks—to notice the fresh air, the pretty flowers, the animals cavorting through the neighborhood. This focus has led me to notice some fun things in my neighborhood like the ducks in the water at the pocket park, the squirrel running up the tree beside me, the beautifully landscaped yards, and the abandoned house covered in ivy.

But the thing I enjoy most is Bigfoot. That’s right. Someone has placed a wooden cutout of Bigfoot in front of a tree down the street. I don’t know how long he’d been there before I noticed him because he blends in with the tree. The first time I saw him, I startled and then laughed for the rest of the walk.

What kind of person puts Bigfoot in his or her front yard? Probably someone fun loving and quirky who doesn’t care what the neighbors think.

Every time I see Bigfoot now, I smile. And I wonder, what have I missed in the past because I’ve been preoccupied?

God has drawn my attention to the present moment and allowed me to see what’s right in front of me. There are silver linings to this quarantine, and that is one of them. I’m surrounded by blessings and privileges that others don’t have. What is right in front of me that I’m taking for granted? I pray my eyes will continue to be opened so that I don’t miss the good things God has for me.

Dear Jesus, thank you for opening my eyes to the blessings right in front of me. Help me to stay in the moment so that I can fully see those blessings. Amen.