The whole picture

The challenge in being present 

Lies in openness to the whole. 

If we focus on the beauty of the sky, 

We miss the deer in the grass before us; 

Focused on the deer, 

We might fail to observe the clouds. 

And distracted by the flamboyance 

Of what’s unexpected or evolving, 

We might more fail to appreciate 

Or even ignore the more subtle elements: 

The steadying influence of home and family; 

The enduring beauty of the trees…