Living with the Shades Drawn
By Tara Hackney

I live on the banks of a beautiful river in southeastern North Carolina. We have lots and lots of windows and lots and lots of shades to cover the windows. When we first moved into our home, I stood in awe at the beauty each morning as I opened all the shades. Then, life crept in … preschool, gymnastics and Kindermusik beckoned each morning and opening the shades became a hassle, too much effort and an unnecessary part of my day.

One evening, I was sitting in my son’s room (which happens to have the best view in the house) and I’m not sure why, but I opened the shade. I was shocked by what I saw – the sunset was spectacular! The sky was filled with varied hues of orange and pink. Sunbeams threw up their arms to reach over the clouds and the river lay shimmering and silver. I couldn’t believe what I had been missing sitting inside with my shades drawn.

As mothers, are we living with the shades drawn? We have access to beauty, peace and strength to get through the day but fail to benefit from it because we are so consumed with our busyness. Do we take the time to truly stop and look at the children we have been entrusted with? Do we ever stand back and watch as they pretend to be pirates or princesses? Do we ever crouch down to see the world through their eyes? Or take the time to watch them sleep and intensely pray for their health and safety?

Through the beauty outside my window, God reminds me daily of his never-ending presence. All I have to do is take the time to stop and open the shade.