Today, I want to get away. I want to indulge in the great outdoors. Today, I want to breathe the fresh air and the beauty of the world I live in.
My adventurous spirit started back in high school with week long backpacking trips and a cycling road trip with my youth group. I love the outdoors and have longed, at times, to live where I can explore my own backyard.
Even though I can't have that right now, I do live in a beautiful place that can get me to the mountains or the beach in a day, along with a hike among trees or along an ocean.
And this day was no exception. We took to the road and searched trails on our way. We never really know where we are going when we pull out of our driveway. Top down, sun shining, we were heading north. It was already after noon, so we had to get somewhere quick if we were going to get in a decent hike. Trying to find a road less travelled, we passed on Eaton Canyon and drove a little farther to Echo Mountain. On the trailhead, we decided to take the narrow trail instead of following the crowds up to Inspiration Point. A historical spot for many, we maneuvered our way up a steep and rocky path to the top. Lizards shared our path as we climbed. It was hot and not an easy trail for most, but we wanted to see what was on the other side.
After a short time, we made it and the view of Los Angeles was stunning. No matter where you go, or what you see, there is always something awesome of the the big world out in front of us. When I looked out, I saw the city of Angels standing tall out in the distance. All I could think of was how small it was in the landscape in front of me. Really, the "big city" is so small in the scheme of life. The hustle and bustle we crave is nothing, when we pan out a little. So, next time you are worrying about that deadline or that assignment that feels like the end of the world, remember it is not as big as you think.
"For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16
I've never really enjoyed the fast-paced bundles of stress and cortisol. If I could walk the Mendocino coastal headlands every day, I would. When we moved to SoCal as I turned 13, I began training myself, out of sheer survival needs, to look for the beauty even amid the concrete and smog. Today's gifts included a butterfly at lunch, a perfectly stationary-in-midair hummingbird, and a Cooper's hawk up high above my house, casually coasting the high winds and shopping for dinner. I love beauty on both the macro and micro levels.
ReplyDeleteWe do have so much to appreciate but sometimes it's hard to see beyond the hustle of the every day. You are right, it's the simple butterfly or the last night, the moon coming up.
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