venus

i glanced up on my way out to start the car on this 10 degree morning.  in that moment, i glimpsed venus rising.  it was the brightest i've seen it for a long time.  twinkling in the frigid, dark morning trying to be.  the sun was causing a small wave of orange on the farthest horizon, barely visible, hemmed in by the indigo of the sky...and there it was.  shining.  brilliant.  framed by the branches of two sleeping trees.  and i stopped.
stopped.
in my tracks.
completely still.
standing in snow.
and i took a deep breath.
breathing in the beauty.
taking the time to truly appreciate it.
to be thankful for it.
gorgeous.
loved it.
was blessed by it.
thankful.
blessings.