bzzzzz zZAP! (2)

Here is the previous post after considerable rework, revision, and additional thought. This is as it was submitted to local newspapers for publication (working in a 250 word limit). Thought it might be interesting for you to see the beginning and the end product.

“bzzzzz” 

"Hey, Martha, come look at this," Fred Lizard called to his wife. 

Scampering to the opening of their high Grand Canyon crevice, Martha found Fred staring intently outside. 

“bzzzzz bzzzzzzz” 

"Look at that beautiful sunset. It just takes your breath away, doesn't it." 

“bzzzzz” 

They stood there enraptured as the hues blended and gradually darkened with the fall of night. 

“bzzzzt” 

Even the fly lit and stared with a thousand lenses at the unfolding beauty. 

 Do lizards, spiders, squirrels, deer, birds, etc watch the majestic display of sunrises and sunsets? 

Do they feel the same sense of timelessness, awe, and inspiration as we, or are they oblivious to the whole thing? I

t appears this propensity for wonder is a particularly human fascination. In fact, the beginning story is really, "bzzzzzz zZAP!" 

While the lizard would not ignore dinner, we'll postpone eating to get lost in the vastness and beauty of sunrises, sunsets, storms, mountain vistas, snowscapes, seashores, the fathomless blue of the deep ocean, canyons, grassy plains, and symphonies. We'll spend hours accomplishing nothing, but taking it all in with a sense that time has not been wasted at all. 

 Everyone sees the painting, but few acknowledge the artist. True beauty is a telescope gazing on the Glory of the Creator - an invitation to eternal joy and fulfillment. 

In the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush aflame with God. But only those who see take off their shoes. The rest sit around and pluck blackberries.”