Blog – 8-10-16 Simple Things
As I write this, I’m sitting at a friend’s lake home in South Dakota. It was a last-minute getaway that just happened to work out. They wanted to do one more mini trip before summer ends and asked us to join them. We happened to have a little window of time that was free, so John and I said yes. Love it when things work out like that!
My schedule has been crazy this summer, and I feel like I’ve had very few opportunities to sit back and really enjoy it, to settle in and just do nothing. Summer has gone way too fast!
I’m sure many of you feel the same way.
As I look out from their home, I see a lake that is smooth as glass. There are only a few boats on it, and when they break the perfect glass surface, it’s a picture of perfection as their wake leaves behind a beautiful trail. Ducks lazily swim by. A fish jumps off in the distance.
I love how I hear God’s voice in the gentle lapping of the water and the sounds of relaxation. I cherish the stolen moments to simply sit in awe of God’s beauty, a chance to escape from the rat race, a chance to laugh and connect with old friends.
So here we are, sitting and relaxing, not doing anything too exciting…but having the time of our lives.
Funny how life is that way. We always seem to find the most joy in the simple things.
We plan and wish for extravagant vacations, concerts, “things to do and people to see,” but more often than not our true happiness and best moments are found in stolen moments like this, time spent with the people we love.
As I ponder why I feel so peaceful and content here, it hits me that besides being on water (which is always my “happy” place), one of the main reasons I love it so much is I feel truly loved here. I am with old friends who have been with me through thick and thin. They’ve seen me at my worst, at my lowest points ever…and love me anyway. There’s no pretenses here. There’s no judgment here. There’s no makeup or hairdos either! My kind of getaway!
Sitting in the midst of unconditional love is intoxicating! Clicktotweet
It gives us a glimpse of God’s love for us.
It’s hard to put into words, but you know it when you feel it. It’s that peace deep inside your soul that says, “All is well.” It’s that “peace that passes all understanding.”
It’s a beautiful view of simple things.
I’m going to keep this short because I want to get back out to the porch, where I can sit with my husband and old friends, watch the lake, and breathe in the beauty of a lazy summer day.
My prayer for you is that you can seize an opportunity to get out there and do the same!
Hugs and love,
~Jill
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