This weekend, my family and I went to our nearest Great Lake and spent three hours just being. Walking along the shore, running up hills until we could barely move, photographing everything that didn't move (and lots that did), letting ourselves get windblown and sandy and wet and not even caring.
It was so wonderful to turn off the phone, let go of everything and just be myself. There was no one who cared what I looked like, no one I had to impress. I explored with my senses - how often does an NF allow herself to do that? I ran in circles like a child, squealed when the waves hit me, did Titanic poses at the edge of the water, fished out rocks with my little brothers and threw them back.
So many, many days at a time are spent all bottled up and buttoned down, carefully acting on our best behavior and trying to put our best face forward. But sometimes, we need to free ourselves to enjoy the world that God created and rejoice in the lavish beauty He has surrounded us with, and only worry about enjoying Him.
So I did this weekend. I didn't worry about my fight with the guy friend, or going back to work the next day, or whether I'm going to be able to afford moving out. I just grabbed my camera and existed.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul ...
Psalm 23:2-3a
Wonderful! So often I can forget to 'breathe deep and see, beauty is all around us.' I hope to get up with my family to the mountains (we don't live by any great bodies of water lol) and refresh this summer. There is something very special about that.
ReplyDeleteOh Vicki! I am so happy you were able to get away and to enjoy yourself and just be! What an amazing blessing that must have been. And can I just say wow? Your photography is GORGEOUS! Great job! :D
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week my friend!
Angel