Accustomed

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In My Fair Lady, one of my favorite musicals from when I was a little kid, there is a song called I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face. Admittedly it's my least favorite song in the show, but the word accustomed is on my mind this morning. 

There is a tree in our backyard that puts on the most stunning show of colors each fall. Right now it's at its peak vibrancy -- gorgeous, bright reds, oranges, and yellows all on the same tree. It's amazing. Chris pointed it out yesterday as we pulled in the driveway, and I realized I had become so accustomed to seeing it over the past few weeks, the beauty is normal to me now. 

While I'm sure this a common psychological phenomenon, I want to fight it. I also want to take a look at what else in my life I've grown accustomed to, and look at them with fresh eyes whenever possible. If I were to step out of my life and then back into it, what would I appreciate? What would I cherish? What would be so gorgeous I simply couldn't look away from? 

In just these few moments of reflection, I'm already seeing plenty -- in our marriage, in our kids, our home, friendships, prayer, scriptures, music... Awe and gratitude will be strong partners in taking what has become ordinary and shining new light on them again.