Day of Rest

How often do we allow ourselves to simply sit in the sunshine, unplugged and unattached from the bustling world, and allow our surroundings to soak in?

I hadn't realized how much I craved this tranquility of mind and body until I began exploring it the other day. Taking a walk and allowing myself to be distracted by every beautiful thing that caught my eye was swiftly proclaimed my new favorite way to pass an afternoon.

So when I saw my Sunday afternoon open, a clear sky framing a smiling sun, and a delightful book waiting for my attention, I was only too thrilled to pack an impromptu picnic and drive down to the lake again.

This time I didn't wander, but quickly selected a bench that seemed idyllic in its location for view and access to sun, then settled in for an afternoon of serenity and calm.

Alternating reading - becoming immersed in the dear story of "Emily of New Moon" by L.M. Montgomery - with gazing out across the water and allowing my own thoughts to traverse realms unexplored has been the perfect 'day of rest'.

I didn't listen to music or check my phone every two minutes, but allowed the sounds of birds and wind, passing people and cars, to pervade my senses alongside the wafting aromas of blooming trees all around.

The stillness and beauty of my surroundings were so invigorating, so intoxicating, that I was loathe to uproot myself and return to my apartment. Dear as my little home is, I am rediscovering what was well-known to me in my youth - being surrounded by nature and the glorious beauty of God's creation is my favorite place to be, and I do not intend to forget that again.

So, if you are reading this, dare yourself to try a sample of my newfound serenity: find an outdoor corner of the world and just allow yourself to sit for a while - preferably an hour or two - and watch your worries fade away in the glory of the sunshine.

"'This is one of the places where dreams grow,' said Emily happily." 

~L.M. Montgomery, Emily of New Moon

A Golden-Fine Day

There is something sublimely pleasant about finding a private corner in the outdoor world and sitting down to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the world - to feel nature surrounding you.

Today I enjoyed myself, sitting on a swinging bench, strolling along the lake under trees, pausing to take pictures or jot down thoughts in my journal. I hope to spend many days in exactly this way throughout the summer, as I find myself thrilled down to my toes when I can take the time to wander in the gloriously beautiful world God has blessed us with.

I won't ramble on too much today, but rather share some of the pictures of things I found captivating as I made my way along the walking path - pausing to capture little birds, turtles, trees, and flowers so I could remember how they made me smile. May they make you smile, too!

"I think the nicest thing about days is their unexpectedness. It's jolly to wake up like this on a golden-fine morning and day-dream for ten minutes before I get up, imagining heaps of splendid things that might happen." ~L.M. Montgomery, Rilla of Ingleside