A Weekend Away from Crazy
Into the mountains to find His quietness and rest
Playful pursuits, meandering, downtime and rest: these are the areas that the current journal prompts in the chat are addressing, and I am thankful to have carried these very ideas out in real life over the last week. I am still grieving over the loss of not only one of my dearest friends, but over the unexpected death of one of our beloved pastors as well. Add to it a variety of personal trials and the stress of an election year (the Most Important One Ever, says everyone, every four years), and I was ready for a break.
I volunteered to drive, and took two of my friends across our entire state and well into the next one, picking up yet another friend from the airport along the way. We slept the first night in a hotel, and got up early the next to head out, finally arriving to our cabin where there was no TV, no internet, and no cellular service. Waiting for us was a fire blazing in the wood stove and plenty of cozy quilts laying upon our own beds. We dumped off our belongings, ate simple lunches, and headed for the barn, where our horses for the weekend for waiting for us.
The weather was pleasant and the views along the trails we took were absolutely stunning. The breezes blew golden leaves down from the deciduous trees, making it look like glimmering confetti drifting down from heaven to land softly upon the evergreens. Over the next couple of hours, the only sounds we heard other than from our untroubled and muted conversations were from the horses, their feet snapping upon sticks or swishing through small creeks or quietly nickering. My horse’s name was Rocket, and he was a steady and responsive companion.
Time back at the cabin was blissfully spent reading, talking, journaling, cooking, and of course eating and tea drinking. We kept the fire going and the cinnamon candle lit. I managed to begin knitting my third unpatterned sweater after one of my friends helped me to unravel the initial twists I had carelessly made. Some of us found tranquility in the hot tub, or in simple, solitary dice games. I never once wanted to check my news feed, social media, or email, and I was especially happy to know that even if I had wanted to, there was no service to do so anyway.
After another day of riding, this time in the drowsy morning while the sun casually lifted, we all headed into the small town nearby for window shopping and eating out. Well, I should add that my friends went window shopping; I took full advantage of my rare opportunity and found plenty of treasures to go home with me! We talked with many people, making quick friends and taking photos. All of us began dreaming and scheming of how we could get our husbands to agree to relocate to the area, where we would have horses in our own backyards and new friends to make in this very open and friendly place.
Sunday morning found us at a lively local church, where we attended both the Sunday school and regular service. We were once again astonished at the wisdom and Word of God, and how God knew exactly what we all needed to hear (and where we would be to hear it!). The pastor took us all home to meet his family for lunch, where we enjoyed their gracious hospitality and a meal of hot chili and warm cinnamon rolls. This was an interesting and favorite meal combination, apparently well known with the locals. We approved!
On our last morning, we braved the pelting rain to stand outside of the fence line and watch dozens of horses come thundering into the arena from the fields. What a thrill to hear the far off neighing and then as they crested the small hill to feel all of the hooves pounding the ground as they made their way past us! It was breathtaking!
It sure was hard to pack up and leave, but we were missing our families and of course each of our responsilities were in mind. The lengthy drive home that day was filled with even more iron-sharpening conversation and plenty of plans to make this outing an annual event. As the driver, I could have done without the crazy deluge of rain and low clouds while careening down twisty mountain passes that night, but God had us all in hand and we arrived to our homes safely. All of us were tremendously grateful for the break in routine and for the time we spent together in such an incredibly beautiful environment.
As for me, I feel very refreshed and am inspired by so much of what I experienced. I am writing this while enjoying a warm piece of espresso glazed walnut cake and an orange spiced black tea. I feel I am still a bit on vacation even at my desk! As I remember and write, I am reminded anew about not only taking the time to journal the possibilities of how I’d like a more present life to look and feel, but to actually put to them into action as I am able. If you’d like some guidance and/or inspiration about how to do that kind of thing, please read my book PRESENT (affiliate link), and/or join us in the chat for weekly journal prompts. I pray you, too, will find ways to take a break from the crazy and to remember the goodness of God’s creation and how blessed it is to be in quietness and in rest with Him as your guide.
Psalms 116:7 Â Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.