A breath of fresh air

Originally posted 24 July 2019…

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR – a refreshing or invigorating change

This past weekend, our family finally made it up to the cabin. It had been too long. Finding the time to escape and relax can be so difficult! Especially when you have to pack up the kids, toys, food, bug spray (LOTS of bug spray…), sunscreen, and who knows what else. Followed by 5 hours of “Are we there yet? Are we half way there yet? How about 3/4 the way there?” and every possible variation of that dreaded question. But then we arrived. And it was a breath of fresh air, literally. Surrounded by trees, lake, clear blue skies, perfect weather. And no cell service. That part is quite refreshing, actually. (Let’s forget about the reunion with the mosquitos for the moment…)

We explored nature, ate wild raspberries, chased frogs, went fishing, tried out our *new-to-us* four-wheeler, and swam in the lake. All while spending time with family. It was also a weekend of firsts. I figured this year has been a continuous run of firsts, so why not add more to the list? So I learned how to kayak. It was a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. I could have spent all day exploring and sitting on the lake. I was at peace. Seeing God’s creation in its natural form was refreshing. Loons calling, eagles nesting, fish swimming, and none of the usual calls (phone, work and otherwise) that preoccupy my mind back home. I was able to reset, remember what (rather who) was most important to me – first God, then family, friends, and others.

Now we are back in the groove, but with a refreshed perspective on life. My house will probably get disorganized occasionally (I just keep telling myself “it’s ok” on repeat), laundry will continue to pile up, and dishes will be waiting to be cleaned. But then I will remember that instead I spent that time with God and my family and friends. And perhaps I will need to go get that breath of fresh air – literally – more often.

How do you get a breath of fresh air?