Hello friends and happy Monday! I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We went hiking. And by hiking, I mean we enjoyed an extra long walk through a towpath (did you even know there was such a thing as a towpath?? this was a new one to me) in one of the national parks not too far from us. We did not realize this park was a national one and my husband forgot his pass. The pass that gets us free admission to all national parks. We paid twenty bucks to park our car and enjoy the paths/trails. For some reason, that fee seems unwarranted but, nevertheless, we had a beautiful day. I’ll try to include some photos along this post. But, for now, let’s get started with this month’s daybook entry.
The Weather – has been so nice this month. It was perfect last weekend when I was in North Carolina and, this week, has been quintessential fall! I love that the air is not only crisp but feels so fresh in your lungs. For now (at least), I am really enjoying the cool mornings. Although I have struggled to find a good walking schedule. By the time it is both light enough and warm enough for my liking outside, well, I have fully started my day (or had to leave for Bible study, etc) and I have a hard time making time for walking in the afternoon. I know, it should not be so complicated but, truth be told, I have fallen out of the habit. I totally need to re-establish the walking/exercising habit!!
As I look outside my window – the trees are all bare. All of the Halloween decorations are gone and, as I mentioned last week, several houses are completed decked out for Christmas. I also see that our yard is neat and tidy – empty of all leaves. My husband does such a good job with that chore – and all of the yard work. For some reason, I was reminded of several years ago, when my husband injured his knee and had to have surgery. It was the first few days of December and, yes, the leaves were still a-fallin. Our neighbor across the street not only helped me load my husband into our vehicle after his accident but he also had his teenagers rake our yard. It was a huge blessing to us!
This morning, I am – headed to the monthly breakfast that my husband has with a group of retired men from church. And the wives tag along and have their own time together. I’ve mentioned it here before so I won’t belabor it, but we (their choice) go to Denny’s….and I really (REALLY) do not care for Denny’s. Sigh. But somehow I am committed to this once a month less than ideal breakfast. I do enjoy the company and I should not complain. And if Denny’s breakfast is your jam – well, you are apparently in good company. These retired guys love it!!
Lately, I have been thinking about – the “letter of the law” as opposed to the “spirit of the law”…and the warning (to myself) of simply going through the motions. Especially in my spiritual life. These thoughts had been on my mind when I saw something at the park the other day that really put a picture with my mental image. There was a sign at the park entrance with the park rules listed. One rule was “no unleashed dogs allowed.” Simple enough, you would think. I saw a family of three with a very pretty (and, yes, well behaved) golden retriever. The dog had a leash clipped to her collar but was several feet from her family. No one was holding the leash. And, her family of humans were laughing. One even said, “if there is a rule to follow, you can be sure our family will find a way around it.” Oh, nice. And annoying.
Not everyone who adheres to the letter of the law, while completely ignoring the spirit of the law, is so smug about doing so; nevertheless, I can be just as creative when and where I want to be. I was thinking about this in context of the things I do in my spiritual life. If I’m honest, it can be far too easy to “do” the right things (following the letter of the law, in a sense) but with the completely wrong heart, motivation or love for doing so (the spirit of the law). I do not want to spiritually go through the motions each week. But want what I do to come from a heart of sincere love for my savior. To do so requires not only regular self-examination and also asking the Holy Spirit to check my heart as well.
What I’m wearing – nothing new really. I do have two new(ish) sweatshirts that have fall inspired sayings on them. Graphic sweatshirts, I suppose. They were novel when I first got them but the novelty has pretty much worn off. Ha. Glad I didn’t pay much for them:)
Around the house – I am enjoying the pilgrims and the turkeys.
My To-Do List – includes finalizing plans for my husband’s birthday. It is soon after Thanksgiving and this year is a “big one”! Most of my thoughts for planning have been focused on Thanksgiving but I don’t want to wait until the last minute to plan something for him. He does not want a birthday party, per se, or even a big “to do” but I certainly cannot “do nothing” so I’m trying to find just the right balance. Balance that says “hooray, it’s your birthday!” We are so excited but we’re not making a big deal about it!! Wish me luck –
And, from my camera. One more photo from our day on Saturday at the park. It was such a pretty day. Can fall please last just a little bit longer??
I hope you have a wonderful week ahead. Leave me a comment and let me know if you have any interesting plans. If it just a “normal week” – well, here’s to an unexpected blessing or two!! As always, thanks for stopping by!!
I agree 100% with you in regards to the park incident. Everyone seems to believe they are above the law . It is easier to do when you see so many people like our politicians getting away with just about anything.
Good luck on hosting a not too fussy birthday for your husband.
Wise words as always, Jennifer, interspersed with lovely observations and mundane, yet somehow still interesting, tidbits about your life. In other words, the perfect blog post! Especially since you included such pretty pictures! We were out with a friend one time. This friend is a multi-multi-multi millionaire. He was irritated with himself when he realized he left a parking pass at home and had to pay a nominal parking fee. It really brought home to me that no matter how much money you have, it is frustrating to pay for something when you wouldn´t have had to!
The “letter of the law” vs. the “spirit of the law.” I have some new opinions on that in recent years. Christians just need to remember that their behavior influences people one way or the other for Christ…..
As for your autumn walk at the park, your pictures are so pretty. They remind me of my many years in Colorado. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Jennifer … we took a bit of a hike last week that went on and on much longer than expected! But when all was said and done, it was SO good to be out on a golden fall day, to stretch those lazy limbs, and have time together talking, walking, laughing, and appreciating God’s creation all around us.
Hi Jennifer 🙂 Can I just be honest and say that dog owners these days are so obnoxious ! We recently went to the bank (inside) and there was a lady with her dog in her lap. We’ve seen them in stores and restaurants (talk about disgusting) and so many other places where pets do NOT belong. We spent lots of money over the years to make sure we had a fence for our dogs and yet, there are dogs roaming everywhere. It’s not cute. I’m over it. That being said…your photos are beautiful 🙂 And yes, I can relate to sometimes going through the motions spiritually, like a checklist of daily to-do’s. That’s religion that teaches us to do that. The Holy Spirit gently invites us into his presence and the feeling is totally different.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Beautiful photos!! Hiking in the fall is a favorite of mine. And I would have been annoyed with those people, probably more because of their attitude! My child is afraid of dogs, even well behaved ones and is terrified when they run up to him. We work with him on this of course, but if we are somewhere we are not expecting it, it is frustrating.
I feel as if I have some new spiritual food for though as well. 🙂
Oh, girl, I think you got your money’s worth with the beautiful scenery you enjoyed on Saturday. Wow!! That water is so blue. I like seeing the rays of sunshine in your frames, too. Maybe hubs can keep the pass in his wallet for next time.
I asked my grandbabies if they were studying the Pilgrims and they said no. Boo. I know it may not be completely politically correct to do so but it is our history. I haven’t seen my little Pilgrims. Wonder if they’ve pilgrimaged off somewhere? I didn’t find them when I unpacked and set out my fall decorations.
Hope you figure out the perfect birthday celebration for your husband. Maybe an overnight getaway? Bless him for doing the yard work. We usually tag team over here but this foot has made me less than helpful!!
Your photos are just lovely! That looks like such a wonderful hike.