Lert's Lessons in Grace

The beach was full of grace lessons today – many were reminders.  The walk to and from the beach was full of fun things to see.

While we were in Michigan, another Nor’ Easter blew through.  It was interesting to see the changes and erosion caused by the wind and waves.  Lots of shells on the beach as well as interesting debris.  As I arrived at the beach, there was a fair amount of sea fog to add an air of mystery.  Seeing the sea fog, I am always reminded that you don’t have to see the whole picture/plan at the onset.  Any new journey just requires the first step and faith that the path will appear.  As the walk progressed, the sun broke through the clouds and the wind moved the fog along.  A reminder that shedding light on the situation can really expand the view.

The shells and debris on the beach add interest and intrigue.  At first, I was determined to get the walk done and not linger.  There was just too much to see!  Slow down, enjoy the view, and see the treasures right before your eyes.  There was a lovely piece of sea glass – at first glance.  Closer inspection revealed that only one side was “ready”.  The rest of the glass did not have the lovely surface that transforms plain glass into sea glass.  Pretty on the outside doesn’t always mean pretty on the inside!

The sailboat is still on the beach – the deterioration and effects of being stuck and not moving are really obvious – and sad.  Move – even if it’s just a little bit – move whatever part of your body that you are able.  It’s good for more than your body – it is an attitude adjuster.

As I walked, I pondered the past year – and the past decade.  Stuff for a separate post.  What I did give consideration to was this question:  Where do I want to be on December 31, 2020?  Physically, mentally, spiritually?  What do I want to list as accomplishments for the next year?

In January Bill joined a challenge to complete 500 miles in 2019.  To date, he has logged over 600 miles.  I am so proud of him – he has had some challenges with his Achilles Tendon and plantar fasciitis – and still managed to accomplish his challenge.

In January, I joined a challenge to complete 1000 miles in 2019.  By the end of January, I decided to bump up the mileage to 1200 miles.  This challenge was a great motivator.  In early November, I completed the 1200 miles – much to my surprise and delight.  I was curious to see what I could accomplish by the end of the year.

Today, I did this:

This evening, I am giving careful consideration to what I want to be saying I accomplished in 2020.  I have a blank, very inviting canvas and an excellent imagination.  I can see lovely things, exciting things, unbelievable things appearing on that canvas!  What are you seeing on your 2020 canvas?

The topic of labels and being labeled has come up multiple times over the past two weeks in conversations and has given me some food for thought.  We label ourselves – I am a…, I am too…, I am….  Others label us – you are a…  Sometimes we are labeled by profession – I am a nurse; or family position – I am a mother.  Race, religion, ethnicity, gender, birth order, financial position, ability, or disability – labels are inevitable, but our response to them doesn’t have to be.

In one conversation, a friend was describing a “minimalist” lifestyle without labeling it as such.  Another person immediately countered with “Oh, so you’re a minimalist?”.  My friend responded “No, I don’t label myself like that.  I simply prefer this method of managing my environment”.  She went on to further explain that she felt limited by labels.

Labels can have positive effects – sometimes profound.  Think about children – tell them they are smart and capable and watch them be amazing.  Tell them they are stupid and watch them die inside.  As adults, we are susceptible as well – not just from what others tell us – especially from how we label ourselves.

Labels can lead to stereotyping and isolation.  I grew up being labeled “smart” and “gifted” in school.  I thought that was a good thing, and it seemed to be among adults.  Among my peers, it was awful.  I wasn’t “fun”, I was “good” and no one wanted to play or socialize with someone that was “good”.  I enjoy running/walking/exercising.  That comes with labels and stereotypes – the assumption that I am everything healthy, always training, and always judging people that don’t do those things.  I try to be healthy, learned over time that always training is not healthy, and I do not judge people based on their activity level.

Labels provide a safe place to hide for some people.  They will grab a label and cling to it – a ready made excuse to not have to engage in an activity.  Others use labels to keep people at bay, or to project an image using a label as an identity they are desperate to embody.

Labels are like walls that can be built higher and higher to keep the world out.  They can be hurtful and damaging.  Even when used in an empowering way, they still provide the opportunity to cause isolation.

Labels and goals have similarities.  It is easy to be seduced by labels and goals – and miss out on so much.  You become so serious and focused on maintaining the label and achieving the goal that you exclude people and experiences.  You lose a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around you.  And if the unthinkable happens – and you can’t/don’t achieve the goal or lose the label – it can devastate you.

Consider the possibility of choosing to be you.  The unique, wonderful being that you were created to be.  No masks, no labels.  Set your sights high – call them goals if you want – but don’t let them control you.  Don’t let labels create you.  Choose not to respond to labels that are disempowering – or simply choose not to be labeled.  If I need a label to identify myself – I need to work on accepting the idea the I am enough just the way I am.  (And that doesn’t mean “settling” or not choosing to continue to grow and progress – after all, we are living beings.)  If I need a label to impress you, or have a relationship with you – it’s probably not worth it.

 

 

 

The sad little sailboat saga continues…it rests farther on it’s side, slowly filling with sand and water.  It is something for kids and adults to climb on, poke through, and ponder.  If the owner doesn’t claim it in 3 weeks, it will be removed and “disposed of”.

Since I am on the beach almost every day, it provides brain food for my walk.  There are so many great grace lessons attached to this little craft.  The anchor, chain, and rope are still attached.  The anchor must have dislodged during a storm.  Isn’t that the way life is sometimes?  You think things are rock solid/firmly anchored and then an unexpected turn of events breaks you free from your anchorage.  If you’re not prepared to take control, you drift along propelled by the force of the water.  Failing to take control at some point will result in capsizing or being washed ashore.  If (and hopefully when) you take control, you have to work with the external forces – wind, waves, obstacles, etc.  Applying this to my life, it means working with the plan God has for me – not fighting it.  I firmly believe that God has a plan for each of us – but it will not come to fruition without active participation on our part.  Very likely, each of us at some point in life will wash up on the beach.  Trying to regain control and make it back out on the water requires effort, support, and a plan.  Being willing to ask for and accept help.  It also takes realizing and believing that you can recover, you are worth the effort, and drive.  Without those things and actions, you become like this little sailboat.

My grace lessons that I have gained:  Anchoring in what appears to be a safe harbor is no guarantee.  You may not have the choice about when you cast off your bow line.  You will have to make a choice about controlling your direction and working within the context of a larger plan (God’s plan).  You are never guaranteed safe sailing, but resources are available if you reach out.  The uncertainty of the journey is still fair superior to staying anchored in a safe harbor or slowly becoming buried alive by the sand and the passage of time.  Never be afraid to dig out, shove out, and rejoin the journey.

 

Sunshine – Blinded by it, or letting it illuminate your surroundings.

A friend and I were talking about different personalities.  I was struck by the thought that some people are like looking into the sun – they are so bright/effusive/larger than life that you tend not to notice details because they are obscured by the light.  There is a magnetism that draws you close or invokes a desire to emulate that person…until you get a better look as the light dims a little.  Then there are those that sit quietly and allow the sun to illuminate their surroundings instead of themselves.  You can see them clearly, imperfections and all.  They are quieter, more inviting.  You feel comfortable talking with them, knowing instinctively that they are listening to you – hearing you.  Maybe as you get wiser (I don’t think there is a relationship to age/youth as much as there is to wisdom), you realize that while there is a need for both personalities, that quiet contemplative soul really is more compelling than larger than life.

Grace lesson:  We need both types of personalities in the world – but never feel “less than” if you’re not the bright, larger than life being in the room.

 

Clenched Fists

Deepak Chopra recently offered a free meditation series on empowerment.  One of the sessions included a discussion about ego and goals.  My take-away from that discussion was that fixating on goals is a function of the ego.  The ego is like a clenched fist around the goal – holding so tightly that it inhibits growth and potential.  Goals – or milestones – are great to have.  They help provide a focus.  Unfortunately, it is easy to become so attached to them that they become the be-all and end-all.  Opening your hand (or fist) requires the ego to step aside and acknowledge that it’s not the goal but the journey that holds value.  I have known many people (and I have done it as well) that don’t react well when the goal becomes not possible.  I have also learned the value of being on the journey to reach a milestone while keeping my mind open to possibilities of detours, side trips, and unexpected lessons – AND – not being devastated when that original goal/milestone is not realized.  That truly is a grace lesson.  Opening your hands, your heart, and your mind allows you to receive so much more than your original “goal”.  A goal or milestone should really be a resting point – a place where you might sit down, reflect on the journey you’ve been experiencing, and the opportunity to look forward and see the unlimited possibility stretching out on your path.  Realize that it might not look what you envisioned at the start of the journey.

Life is awesome!  Today has been a gift of unimaginable proportions.

My day started with a walk with a friend – she is so interesting and fun to spend time with.  Another blessing in my life.  Bill and I spent the rest of the day enjoying the day – sitting at the campsite chatting, taking care of little jobs, and naps.  Then we moved to the beach to sit in the sun some more, walk, play with Piper, and watch the world go by.  Absolutely grand and glorious!

Last week, I saw a t-shirt that really caught my eye.  It was very simple – just said “Anchor Up” on the back.  Immediately I thought about the Mark Twain quote about throwing off the bow lines.  Around the same time, a sailboat – The Blue Horizon – washed ashore on our beach.  The first couple days, it sat mostly upright.  No one has claimed it – and it is still beached.  The anchor and line are still attached, and now covered by sand.  Each day that passes illustrates the perils of staying on the beach.  The boat is now leaning heavily, the tides have washed a little more sand a little higher on the boat.  The tide now easily flows into the boat.  Here is the progression over time:

Obviously, the boat is not able to “anchor up” or throw off the bow line by itself.  We are not a boat.  We can hoist the anchor and cast off the lines that hold us in place.  Sometimes we need a little nudge, or a little help from a friend (like the manatee that was rescued this week from the same beach).  We have the choice though.  Or, we can become like the Blue Horizon.  At first, we settle on the beach.  It’s soft, cozy in the sunshine, and it’s comfortable.  Little by little, the sand starts to wash away from underneath and build up along our hull from the waves.  Before we know it, our anchor and bow line are not what is keeping us in place.  We become buried – weighed down inside and out.  Sand, water, worry, apathy, shame, depression…it does the same thing.  It can be insidious.

The best way for me to “anchor up” is through exercise.  Over the past couple weeks, I have been able to increase my exercise to 5-6 times a week.  I haven’t done that consistently for about the last 3 years.  This time, I am using a combination of classes at the Fitness Center and some solo stuff.  Classes were always intimidating, and I much preferred to do things on my own.  Stepped out this time – and I am loving the social aspect, the interaction with the coaches, and the joy of exploring new ways to move.  I still treasure my solo time, but for different reasons now.  My energy level is climbing – actually soaring – and it feels so good to have it back.  I’m not doing it alone – I have some really great people on my team.

My friend, look over the edge of your “boat” – are you afloat and held in place by your anchor – or have you washed ashore without realizing it?  What would it take for you to “anchor up”?  Need someone to talk to?  Don’t wait for the “right time”, or the “perfect moment” – they don’t exist.  In fact, those myths are more dangerous than the sand and water.

Anchor up!  I hope our paths cross frequently while we explore – we can share our journey for awhile!

 

 

 

 

 

You had to know this would warrant a post!  What started out in January as a 1000-mile challenge for the year – and by February morphed into a 1200-mile challenge is finished early!  I dug out my medal package that was mailed out earlier this year and added it to my rack.  Can’t model my t-shirt because they sent me a 4XL…I know I didn’t request that size.  Hopefully they will be able to work out an exchange.  The medal is cool, and the shirt will be fun.  Better than that has been the warmth and support from my family and friends.  Bill and Piper covered the last half mile with me today – lovely way to finish the challenge feeling very loved.

As with any challenge and goal, the real joy has already happened.  It happened in every single step of those 1200 miles.  Some of those miles were with friends, some with my Mom, some with my kids, some with Piper, many with Bill.  Some of those miles were accomplished at events.  All of those miles were intentional – not just a culmination of steps acquired during the course of the day.  More than that – those were miles and minutes of time that I intentionally spent on “me”.  Of course, that always has a trickle-down effect – or ripple effect.  That “me” time helps me be a better person – at least it feels that way to me.  I am stronger, more relaxed, more confident.

Now I am wondering if I will finish the year with 1400 or 1500 miles…or more?

I am so grateful for the support of my family, my friends, and even the strangers I have met that have offered support and encouragement.  I am even grateful for those few people that suggested 1200 miles was too many, too hard physically, or something they wouldn’t even consider doing (because they were more capable than I – at least in their perception).  To those that doubted – your reaction was encouragement also.

Challenge yourself.  1200 miles may not be your goal – it may be less, it may be more.  Maybe your goal is to walk for 20 minutes every day.  That’s okay – just choose something that is a little challenging – like maybe makes you stick your pinky-toe outside your comfort zone (although I warn you – you will likely end up wanting to keep edging out as you discover that you are capable of much more than you thought possible).  The average walking speed for a person is somewhere around 15-20 minute mile.  If you started walking 20-30 minutes a day, you could easily achieve 300 miles in a year (probably farther if you don’t skip days).  Your challenge doesn’t have to be walking – it can be whatever you can physically handle.  Need a cheerleader?  Let me know.  Want someone to walk with?  If I am in your area – we can work that out.

 

Grace Lesson – value yourself enough to carve out time to physically care for your body.  You will find joy and strength, and discover much about yourself!

I have mentioned the online fitness program that I use – Energy Up.  Last week, the weekly team coaching call was about doing a self-assessment about your progress to goals and “Earning Your Awesome”.  Additionally, one of the daily positive videos was about focusing on the 3 feet in front of you.

We belong to Civil Air Patrol, and one component of the program is youth oriented – Cadet Programs.  Cadets at encampment learn some extraordinary leadership skills.  One of the things that I really enjoy is asking a cadet “How are you?”  Their answer is a hearty, firm “Outstanding, Ma’am”.  There is no doubt, no hesitation, and they don’t look like they are in pain when they answer.  When I hear that answer, I find myself smiling and feeling a little more positive.  I think their attitude is contagious.

While I listened to the coaching call recording, I couldn’t help but think about the cadets “Outstanding” response.  It could be a case of “fake it til you make it” – keep telling yourself you are outstanding until you really believe it.  Is it possible to really live it and believe it most of the time?

I decided to try some of the ideas I listened to.  I know that focusing on “now” – this very moment – is very effective in decreasing stress related to “what ifs” and “what might have beens”.  The past couple weeks, I have been paying attention to, and working on what steps (even baby steps) I could take to move myself up the ladder toward my goals.  I did a self-assessment (after a good workout) to determine what needed attention.  I want to be able to answer “awesome” when asked how things are going – and I want to earn that answer every day.

I began an experiment – trying the little steps that would lead me to the next rung of my ladder of success, focusing on the next “3 feet”, and working on the attitude – the things I figured it would take to earn my awesome for the day.  Starting the day with exercise (sometimes painful just to think about until I got started), being mindful of what I eat and drink, and making a concentrated effort to ditch negative thinking – as I expected – this made a huge difference.  So I continued with the effort.  Lest I lead you to believe that it is all sunshine and lollipops, it was and continues to be a challenge.  The hardest part for me is the exercise part early in the day.  By doing it first thing, it gets done.  Putting it off risks not getting it done at all.  Giving in to negative thinking is another challenge for me.

What I did notice; and continue to see happening is the way things “fall in to place”, and the way others respond.  When I am earning “awesome”, I see the world differently.  The world responds differently.  I see and believe in possibility.  I thought it was pretty cool, after trying this for a couple days, to find a t-shirt that washed up on the beach “Free To Be Awesome”!  Kind of like permission/encouragement from God?  Along with some pretty cool sunglasses!

I am getting closer to my 1200 mile goal (about 15 miles away), I have logged at least 10k steps from 219 days in a row, and am about 2 ½ months away from logging at least a mile a day for a year.  Little steps to help me earn my awesome.  Big steps in helping me learn more about myself!  Participating in events that bring a smile to my heart and soul – more steps toward awesome.

Think about yourself.  What do you want to change to be able to earn your awesome?  If you’re already earning it – what does it take to maintain it?  How about reaching out and helping someone else find their awesome?

Grace Lesson:  God created unique, wonderful you to be nothing less than AWESOME!!!  Honor Him by fulfilling that mission!

I’ve been thinking about ladders and lofty goals quite a bit this week.  I was feeling like my goals weren’t lofty, I wasn’t even near the ladder, and I was spinning my wheels.  I started thinking about the last 12 months and realized how much I have accomplished.

Five years ago, I joined an online Bootcamp for exercise.  I had been doing their free workouts for a while before taking the plunge and joining.  If you would have told me then that I would complete 2 marathons, a couple half marathons, 10ks, and 5ks; take up hiking and hike a little bit of the Appalachian Trail (a little bit of the trail that included a mountain); challenge myself to log at least 10k steps a day and log 1200 miles of intentional walking/running in a year – I would have told you that you were talking to the wrong person.  Maybe I am capable of setting lofty goals.

I have learned that “lofty goals” can not be measured against anyone else but myself, and that climbing that ladder is a team effort – even though I have to be the one to move my feet.  One of my first lofty goals was to start running – and it took a couple of attempts to get going.  Then it was to try a 5k.  Then it just gained momentum.  Never, ever, would my “younger me” believe it would even consider – much less participate in 5k, 5-miler, 10k, 8-miler, half marathons, marathons, and an adventure triathlon.

When I started the online exercise program, I would hide in the basement and try to fit in a workout while everyone was outside or away from home.  I was just so tired of who I had become – how I looked, how I felt, and tired of being tired.  Personally, I doubted it would work for me.  But then things started happening, changing, feeling better…wow – who knew?  And instead of my family seeing my attempt as silly – I found tons of support and encouragement.  After a couple years, I found even more inspiration and encouragement when I gained an exercise buddy for morning workouts.  I lost that joy when we started full-time rving – and I really miss that.  Recently, I connected with an accountability partner through Energy Up (the online bootcamp), and I really appreciate the opportunity.  She is a great inspiration and has added a new dimension to my fitness plan.

While we were on the side of the mountain, it occurred to me that I would not – actually could not – be where I was without the physical and mental foundation I built from participating in Energy Up.  Sure, I do a lot more than the workout videos now – but by choosing to push the play button that very first time, I chose to make a conscious decision to change my life.

For a time, I was choosing “big scary goals” that I told others would challenge me.  I realized a while ago that I was choosing those goals because I was trying to prove to myself that I could not meet them – I wasn’t good enough.  Now, I choose my goals based on the pleasurable anticipation of achieving them.  Yep, I have set a few that are pretty lofty – and maybe by some definitions scary – but they are scary exciting.  If I don’t achieve them the first time, I will have learned a great deal for the next go round.

I also realize just how important exercise is.  It is an integral part of my day.  Sometimes it is walking.  Sometimes it is running, HIIT workouts, NEWO, swimming, cycling, or hiking.  Doing it first thing in the morning is the best way to ensure an excellent day.  Sometimes I am out at 10:30 at night getting my miles in.

Grace Lessons:

1. Exercise is integral to mental, physical and spiritual health.  Do something, anything, to get your heart rate up a bit.  Let your body know you care.
2. Climb the ladder of mental, physical and spiritual health. Remember that your place on the ladder may vary day by day – but every day, ask yourself what you can do to move yourself up the ladder.
3. Lofty goals – it’s okay to make them scary – just don’t choose them to trash yourself. It’s okay to choose ones that will just plain make you feel good.  Just like the ladder, figure out what one (small) step you can take each day to make progress toward those goals.
4. Do periodic look-backs – you’ll be amazed at how far you have come. I am always more amazed at looking back and seeing God’s hand at work in my life and not realizing it at the time.
5. Be kind to yourself. You are unique beautiful creation of God, worthy of love and kindness.

 

Link for Energy Up:  energyup.co

 

 

 

 

 

Got a chance today to do something that I was afraid to even consider putting on my Bucket List.  I’ve read stories about the Appalachian Trail marveled at the people brave enough to hike it.  Since I did the trail run in August, I have really been enjoying exploring “other than paved paths”.  This is so far outside the comfort zone that I carefully cultivated for the better part of 50+ years – something my family and close friends can attest to.  I have a fear of heights – sometimes it is almost paralyzing.  It’s different when we fly the airplane – I can’t explain it – but it is.

Beth suggested we might enjoy hiking a trail here in Virginia and offered one in Shenandoah Valley National Park that was part of the Appalachian Trail.  Bill and I readily agreed – it sounded like a great opportunity.  And quietly, inside, I was both thrilled and terrified.  A chance to consider writing it on my list and crossing it off.  Mind you, I know that thousands/millions of people hike much farther than we did.  But I have learned not to compare what I do to anyone but myself.  And I had nothing to compare this to.

By the numbers:  hiked 5 miles of 3 hours (including rest stops, photo stops, sitting and admiring stops), elevation gain of 1709 ft., and loss of 1720.  The summit of Stony Man Mountain was 4,010 feet, and we started at 2,760 feet.  The elevation gain was greatest over the first 1.5 -2 miles.

Because we were climbing a mountain, we were often on what to me was a very narrow path on the side of the mountain with pretty steep drop offs.  This started shortly after we left the trailhead.  My mind went into overdrive…I was thinking that we were not even ¼ mile into the hike and I was already shaky and scared.  Every cell in my body was screaming “STOP” – “turn around and go sit in the truck”.  The war inside my head was ugly.  Take the safe way – back to the truck and wait…but if I do – I will miss out on something I was afraid to even consider as a possibility.  Logically, I knew that for many people this was no big deal.  I also knew that for me – if I could NOT turn around and keep putting one foot in front of the other – I was going to have a wonderful grace-filled growing experience.  And so I did (also, I wasn’t eager to turn around on that narrow path and risk going back down over what I had just climbed up).  Scary?  Absolutely.  Worth it?  Without a doubt.

While we were hiking, and then again when we explored Luray Caverns, Beth commented on how small you feel standing next to the rocks, the mountain, the trees, and the stalactites/stalagmites in the caverns.  That is so true – you realize how tiny and insignificant your small person is as you gaze at these wonders.  I also realized that the God that created those magnificent wonders also created me.  If that doesn’t fill you with gratitude/awe/wonder/humility, check your pulse.

Beth and Bill were on this journey with me.  There are maybe a handful more people I trust completely to be with me when I do something like this.  I know I have their support, I can trust them, and they will love and accept what I do – whether or not I actually complete the venture.  I am blessed to have these people in my life, and I am so grateful.

The whole day was a grace-filled growing experience.  To say I’m grateful is an understatement.  I realize how blessed I am.  I’ll be thinking on today for quite a while.  I did it, I wrote it on my bucket list, and I crossed it off.  Playing it safe and small serves no one, God didn’t intend that.  He gave us this magnificent world so we might enjoy it.  He created each of us to do great things.  I’m going to pull out the bucket list and put some more of the things that I have been afraid to write on there.

To those wonderful people that believe in me and encourage me – bless you.  I love you so very much and am grateful for you being in my life.

The trip we’re on now and our last trip have taken us through many states.  We are blessed to have friends and family across the country.  What a joy to be able to steal some time and enjoy catching up in person with these wonderful people.  How often do we make the offer “if you’re ever in our area, call and we can meet somewhere”, or “I’d love to meet up with you if you’re ever in my town”?  When you make the statement, are you just offering lip service – being polite?  It is interesting to watch how those offers evolve.  “Call/contact me if you’re in our area” – contact made – “well, maybe we can work something out – let me know what days and times you will be here” – dates and times offered – “well, I’m sure we can make something work” or time/date arranged – only to be cancelled before said time.  Obviously, there are situations where there just isn’t enough time or extenuating circumstances – but those are….obvious.

On the flip side – how delightful to contact someone – or have them contact you – and here “let’s get together – name the time and place.  You come to us, we’ll come to you, or we can meet in the middle.  How about today or tomorrow?”  This has been the majority of our experience.  Gracious hospitality, warmth and welcome – and the joy of reconnecting.  Sharing memories and catching up since we were last together.  It has been a profound lesson in hospitality, making offers, and follow through.  We are indeed blessed to have such friends in our lives.

One of the things we realize as we travel is the difficulty in serving others.  It is hard to be involved in any volunteer activities in a hands-on capacity.  I recently completed a 7-day happiness challenge offered by Max Lucado.  The challenges involved acts of kindness towards others – and the reward was a deeply satisfying sense of happiness.  I highlighted for me how difficult it can be to seek out opportunities to engage in random and intentional acts of kindness while on the go.  Some things are really easy – smiling and encouraging strangers, expressing sincere gratitude to others that are in serving occupations.  Others are more difficult – being aware of a situation that exists in which you can offer assistance, intentional service activities, etc.  I am enjoying the challenge of the challenge, though.  I’m thinking it’s time to dig out the sticky notes and start leaving random notes of encouragement again.

Another lesson – is to let go of assumptions and preconceived notions.  Let go and open your heart and mind to what you find as you experience a new place.  Assumptions and preconceived notions have the potential to lead to disappointment.  Not inviting them to the table clears the way to appreciate the moment.

As I’ve said before – I realize what a privilege and blessing our lifestyle is.  There are no words to express the gratitude for the experiences and people we have and are enjoying.  God’s grace is indeed amazing.  Right now, the best we can do is express kindness and appreciation to the people and places we encounter.

Today started a little rocky – I think we’ve been passing a bug back and forth.  We finally ventured out around noon to explore a smaller part of Acadia, keeping the option of turning back if needed open.

We found a beautiful experience awaiting us.  This part of Acadia is magnificent – it lacks the consumerism found on Mount Desert Island and the larger number of people.  The day was one of those perfect days – pleasant temps, a gentle breeze to keep you from getting too warm in the sunshine, very few bugs to annoy you, and again, lack of population.

We lingered and loitered, sitting on huge rocks on the shoreline soaking up sunshine.  We talked about the view, a little bit of everything, and nothing in particular.  Then we would move along the road a bit, find another place to explore, and start the process all over.  We threw in a short hike with more lingering and dawdling.

I realized, somewhere in the midst of this day, that this is a definition of grace – my life, this moment.  I, by God’s grace, am living this wonderful life.  I am blessed to be able to travel with Bill as we explore and appreciate our surroundings.  I did nothing to deserve this and am filled with gratitude that everything I have lived and experienced has led me to this path – not by my doing – but by God’s grace.  A profound reminder to listen and watch for His presence and nudges in my life.

This life we live is Amazing Grace!