Tuesday evening I had the distinct pleasure of driving from my house in northern Indiana to Indianapolis. The route I take literally cuts across farm country and it’s absolutely beautiful on any normal day. But this evening I was accompanied by the full, harvest moon. It was breathtaking to see the moon glowing in a sea of blues and pinks as the sun set. My heart broke a little each time I drove past another barn, pasture, or combine because I couldn’t take a picture of what I was seeing.
But I tried. I pulled my phone out and tried to drive while snapping some pictures. This photo is one of those snaps. It looks so pathetic. Can you even see the moon? I’ve seen photos that others took that night, and mine just looks ridiculous. And I knew it probably would, but I couldn’t help but try. Driving photography isn’t a good idea (please don’t do it!), and it never properly conveys the image anyway.
So I was “forced” to just drive and enjoy the view. That’s what I did and it was amazing. Instead of trying to get a pretty photo for social media or my blog, I just took it in. I cranked up the radio, set my cruise control, and just lived in the moment. The sky is bigger in Indiana and it was one of the best long drives I’ve ever experienced.
I think we all need to do more of that: put down our phones and enjoy our surroundings. Whether you’re with special people, in a special place, or just on a drive with the harvest moon, take a moment to appreciate it. We don’t have to documents everything. And pictures never do it justice anyway.
The world–and especially our farms–is so beautiful. Let’s remember to enjoy it.
