It’s difficult not to feel the power of God when observing a waterfall.
On Saturday morning, as I sipped my coffee on my porch, I basked in the cool morning air. I knew it was supposed to be in the 90’s again, but at that moment, it was pure bliss. An idea was forming in my head as my family all came and joined me. I wanted to go hiking.
My daughter had planted the seed earlier in the week, but I had kind of dismissed it.
Saturdays, these days, include laundry, cleaning house and grocery shopping. There’s not a lot of extra time. Besides, it was going to be hot on Saturday. Fall may have appeared on the calendar, but no one had informed nature. If I didn’t get my chores done on Saturday. When would I get them done?
But, as I sat there in the coolness, I felt the nudge to get out of the house. Our family loves hiking together. We enjoy Creation together. It brings us closer together and it brings us closer to God.
As I tossed out the idea, we got on our phones to find a place close by that we hadn’t been to before. We found one and threw on our clothes, took the top down on the Jeep and hit the road.
It was a gorgeous day and we played the radio and sang together. We drove a long time, and got lost, but the day was beautiful and no one seemed to mind. After several turn arounds, we finally arrived at the trail head.
The sun had been really hot out on the highway and I questioned myself a couple of times along the way, about the wisdom of hiking in the heat. But, the temperature was much cooler in the mountains and there was shade everywhere. As we passed by one friendly hiker after another, I was glad we had come.
It’s always interesting how differently people act when they are in nature. I don’t think we crossed paths with one person who didn’t smile and speak to us. It’s almost like people are more naturally relaxed when they are in the presence of the wonder of Creation.
Our trail was around five miles up and back and paralleled a noisy creek for almost the entire hike. We saw several nice waterfalls, but we got to hear the splashing water constantly. It was very soothing for some tired souls.
My hubby and daughter got ahead of my son and I, several times. He and I often hang back when we go exploring, and take pictures and try to soak up every single detail.
At around 5:00, we headed back to the car, starving, all regretting the decision to skip lunch because we had a late breakfast. We had the best meal ever at Zaxby’s along with great conversation.
Saturday’s hike reminded me that time with family is precious. It reminded me that whenever I get stressed and overwhelmed, getting outside, away from man-made distractions and into the Creation of God, is usually the best choice. It reminded me that most of the stuff on my to-do list can wait and that when I truly seek God in the midst of my daily chaos, He never disappoints.
Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂