Take a Little Trip With Me

Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have a vacation mindset every day? Obviously not in the sense that we slack off, stay up late, sun bathe, play all day and stay up late again. OK, that would be sweet! However, I’m talking about slowing down and taking in the little moments. When we travel to some place different, for instance the beach, we encounter novelty everywhere. The warm breeze and smell of salty air is an immediate comfort. The immensity of the ocean and its stunning sunsets along with swaying palms is a treat for our eyes. Sea life and others critters that differ from our native ones fascinate us. Our eyes are peeled and senses heightened to experience new sights, smells and flavors. The escape from our normal refreshes, renews and rejuvenates our weary selves. As I write this, a warm breeze, the heat of the sun and the sight of frolicking dolphins is my setting. A luxury for sure. And a sense that I need to bring this home with me! But since I cannot, I am making a choice to bring the mindset of it all back with me.
Fast forward one week…
How can I unpack the beach right here? What am I missing in the rural neighborhood I call home? Am I slowing down long enough to notice our own fascinating critters? Appreciating the lush vegetation and colorful flowers around me? The clear skies and falling stars? The laughter of children on summer vacation? God’s amazing creation provides a sensory party no matter where we are geographically. Where we are mentally determines if we notice. We need only set our minds on appreciation mode and slow down long enough to take it all in.
I savor coffee on my back porch as the cool breeze wafts an attitude of gratitude and the sun filters between the tree branches warming my skin and my heart. The sense of peace and gratitude returns, if only for small moments each day.

So, take a little trip with me......if only in your soul.
Set your mind on the blessings provided by the Creator, on the life given by Jesus and the peace that comes from knowing you are loved.
 
Psalm 19
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.