A Beautiful Place, Yet Even More

                                                                            by Chuck O’Rear©

What comes to mind when you think of beauty? Most often we think of a place. For some that place is Paris. For others New Zealand. My screen saver has produced countless of places that I’ve seldom or never heard of nor seen. Apparently this phenomenon began with Chuck O’Rear with his photo, rightly named ‘Bliss’, from California’s wine country. It is said to be the most viewed photographed of all-time.

I wrote this blog when Karen and I were in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in November of 2022. The sites there, as well, are in such amazing abundance. The most impressive sunsets, captured by hundreds, no more likely by thousands who watch the evening spectacle called the sun, as it slowly dips beyond the horizon on the great Banderas Bay. And there’s more ~ watching whales, dolphins, mantas, from the shore, on a boat or better yet from underwater. Like any place on earth, there are rivers, waterfalls, and jungles that boggle the mind. There are mountains, trees and flowers and birds that make simply sitting a spectator sport all its own.

Yet, this morning I once again was pondering ~ what do I like most about Vallarta? And the resounding answer came back ~ people! While walking to pick up a new friend to join other men as we search the purpose found in scripture, I listened as construction workers and a garbage man whistled, truly while they work. There are conversations with Taxi & Uber drivers. Perhaps my favorite is watching children play. No cell phones or tablets near. Only imagination, with sticks, or rocks, an imaginary friend, with a brother or sister.

~ Mural on Juarez in Central PV ~

Yes, there are people back home in my state of Oregon. People in the twenty or so countries in which I’ve been so blessed to make their acquaintance. And yes, the beauty of creation is always ever so present. None-the-less, my favorite wherever my travels have brought me too, is watching & enjoying people. Especially those little people ~ as they so freely play.

Life requires much from us as adults. Perhaps no greater than providing an environment for which our children can always have the freedom to play. And for us ‘OLD’ adults ~ to learn to set aside work at times. To allow ourselves to have the simple freedom of play. Yes, that is what I like most about Vallarta. That is true beauty!

 

Matthew 19:14 “Jesus, let the children come onto me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

 

 

 

  

Thank you Randy Stonehill ~ You give us such beautiful songs ... Beautiful stories such as 'Little Rose'