INSPIRASUNS

There are some days when you realize, ahh, yes I needed this. Yesterday was one of those days. I had some things I wanted to do, kind of those honey-do list-type tasks. Made a run to our storage unit to drop off things that had been hanging around the house, picked up the Thanksgiving decor, and made some decor items for the Christmas Market this weekend, you get the idea.

However, mid-afternoon my husband and I made a trip to one of our local home decor stores. We’re looking for some travel-trunk-type boxes to display in an area of our living room. That’s kind of theme in that area and we’ve been looking for something for a while. We stopped at this particular store because we’d gotten things there before and were pretty sure we’d find what we needed. Well, we jinxed ourselves there, as we found really nothing that would work 😦 .

I mentioned an antique store that I had visited with friends a few years ago, so off we went to the next stop. As we wandered through this little shop, it was like stepping back in time. Many of the items reminded us of our childhood. I could remember some of these things being in our home when I was growing up. As I had hoped, we found just what we needed. An antique leather suitcase that had initials engraved on it, along with a bamboo suitcase. They were so cool, and the visions of a couple carrying these as they traveled, ya that was cool too.

As we got back into the car my husband asked if there was a place we could go just to take a walk. The weather was gorgeous yesterday and a walk sounded perfect. We had to think for a minute because of course the first place that comes to mind is the beach, but we weren’t dressed for that. I remembered a park that we drive by every day as we go to work, The Freedom Park. So off we went.

When we got there and made our way to the front entrance we realized there were two separate sections. Mind you this is not a huge park, but they have a boardwalk on one side, and walking trails on the opposite side. We made our way down the boardwalk looking at the thick vegetation around us. It was beautiful actually and the breeze felt good as we just walked along. As we got back around to our starting point we headed to the other side to check out the trails. We opted to just take the first small trail that made its way to the front of the park over a few small lakes, (more like ponds). Again, beautiful walk, and the ponds were just filled with lily pads.

We made our way back to the very front of the park, where there was a huge monument of the US Flag. This is what you see from the road, and I honestly just thought this was a monument remembering our veterans. It is, however, this particular park was developed in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The brick walk that leads you to the flag is filled with bricks that have inscriptions on them. In memory of, in honor of, we will never forget, so many messages on those bricks from loved ones and everyday Americans just wanting to never forget the sacrifices that day.

Behind the flag is a fountain and next to it there are two pieces of steel that came from the World Trade Center site. I can’t explain the somberness I felt as I walked to those pieces of steel just to touch them. I can’t imagine being at the actual site that day, or the days and months after. What a beautiful tribute to all those who lost their lives that day, and to all those who continue to fight for and protect the freedoms we all enjoy.

It was a wonderful afternoon and one that was much needed. I can’t remember the last time we simply took a walk to enjoy the weather. Father had a hand in the afternoon, no doubt. I think He knew we needed a little break, and I think He was showing us how quickly life can change in an instant. We need to take the time to enjoy the gifts and the beauty around us.

Friends, make sure to take those walks, enjoy the beauty around you, enjoy the company of your spouse, or your friends, and take time to observe. Explore areas that are right under your nose. You might be surprised at what you see and learn. God has blessed us with an amazing world to see.

Have an awesome day my friends 🙂 .

Romans 11:29
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.