Complete Refreshment

Family vacation is halfway through, and there is more to be thankful for than words can express.

Though cell service and internet were not available in our cabin or in many of the areas we visited, there is incredible gratitude for the absence of distraction and greater opportunity for connection.

Being surrounded by beauty and nature and fresh air and peaceful quiet brings refreshing and rejuvenation that cannot be found anywhere else. My husband put it so well to say that even though we have not lived here for 14 years, our current home hasn’t always felt like ‘us.’ Don’t misunderstand - we are beyond blessed by the people we share life with and we know without a doubt that the relationships God has given cannot be replaced - but this environment...the mountains, the trees, the water...this is who we are.

Many other things come to mind from the past few days as well...

376. Children who travel well.

377. Being adventurous together.

378. Hiking and exploring and discovering and experiencing.

379. My own inability to describe the matchless beauty of God’s creation.

380. A humbling realization that He crafted such beauty for our enjoyment.

381. The smell of nature that refreshes and revives.

382. Turning a corner to discover the breathless sight of a mountain-trapped lake reflecting the cloudless sky off of it’s waters.

383. Feeling at home in a small cabin surrounded by trees and mountains.

384. ‘Oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ and ‘wows’ from the back seat while navigating winding roads and witnessing God’s handiwork around every corner.

385. Numerous requests to get out and explore - and the freedom to say yes.

386. Pine trees and waterfalls and rock cliffs and mountain carvings.

387. Clouds that float below mountain peaks as storms roll through.

388. Blue sky and sunshine amidst the rain.

389. Driving beneath a breathtaking rainbow as it stretches from the lake to the mountains to bring a perfect conclusion to our stay in the Black Hills.

390. Wanting to do it all again.