Frank M. Witowski Jr.

Published Sept. 23, 2005

Take time out to enjoy nature's finest masterpieces

Rush, rush, rush!!! We're in a fast paced world where we depend on fast food and paying at the pump, and we wonder why we are so stressed out all the time. It seems there are fewer hours in the day and most families have to depend on two incomes to make ends meat. It seems that eating together as a family for many people is a thing of the past.
The day-to-day rat race of life seems to overtake each one of us. We all need to catch our breath from time to time and enjoy the simple things of life.

When my parents visited me recently, they told me they do not like it here because people in a hurry have blasted their horns when my dad was attempting to make a turn or driving "too slow." I could understand someone passing him when it is safe. What alarms me are those who risk an accident just to get ahead and then lay on the horn. This has happened several times to my parents when they have visited me. When we become rude, it's time to examine ourselves.

I have been under a lot of pressure lately with more stories than I can handle and sometimes can't keep myself from thinking of the next several stories I have to write. Recently, I found myself almost unable to concentrate on an interview because my mind was so cluttered and full of the other stories I was pressed for. I then decided it's time to prioritize.

One Saturday morning recently, I woke up and went behind my trailer where there is a wooded area. I just took in the beautiful scenery around me. The dew was on the grass and the sun kept trying to come out from behind the clouds. I recalled having to go sledding in cemeteries in Indiana because those was the only hills we had. I just stood in awe listening to the birds sing and the crickets making their noises. I lost track of time and stood there worshiping the Lord and singing songs such as "In the Garden."

We are so blessed with mountains and rugged scenery around us, but if we're not careful, we won't take time to even notice it. About two hours later, I returned to my trailer feeling rested and refreshed and more determined to take time to notice the little things.

I remember my first time traveling through Kentucky a year and a half ago on my way to visit Tennessee and saying to myself, "Now I know what the writer of 'America the Beautiful' was talking about when he penned the lines about purple mountain majesties."

The next time you feel overwhelmed by the cares of life, maybe it is time to hike a trail at Cumberland Mountain State Park or visit a scenic overview and just watch and listen to the sounds of nature and worship the creator. We all need times of relaxation and reflection. Perhaps there would be less anxiety in our world if more of us would take time-outs from life.
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Frank M. Witowski Jr. is a Crossville Chronicle staffwriter. His column appears periodically. He may be reached at 484-5145.