Our view of Mt. McKinley – August 2014

Three months in Canada and Alaska gave me a summer of tranquility. From the moment my eyes popped open in the morning until I laid my head down on the pillow each quiet, peaceful night, I had a newfound experience of the magnificent world we live in. Filled with the delight of God’s vast and glorious creations, every day brought excitement and JOY. Not once did I rush to get somewhere. I was on God’s clock in His world.

Rain or shine, the air’s fragrance was a comfort to my lungs. The drizzly days left vivid greenery and vibrant wild flowers in my path. An unexpected bright, sunny day brought out Mt. McKinley in all its majesty. Never a day ended without splendid views, sounds of nature, fresh air, and golden silence. JOY filled my being.

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My four-month summer trip in the RV is behind me now. I am knee-deep in unpacking the motor home and housework, in my home and RV. Routine doctor’s appointments, coffee dates, and time with my family seem to fill my calendar. How I long for the relaxation and contentment of my blessed travels.

I had promised myself that today would be the day I would finally unwind, read, and appreciate my home. But instead, I jumped out of bed at an ungodly hour, threw on the first outfit I found, bypassed the coffee pot, and dashed out the door so I wouldn’t be late for my appointment with my favorite phlebotomist.

Complete with heavy morning traffic, the thirty-minute drive awaited me. I turned on my favorite radio station and inspirational tunes filled my ears. Every song pulled me a little further away from the frenzy of the morning. Each tune brought me closer to the reality that we live in a perfectly and wonderfully made world. I caught glimpses of beauty everywhere I gazed. In gratitude, I surrendered to prayer. By the time I reached my appointment, I was at peace with the world.

I parked the car and contemplated the half-hour trip. Amazed at the turn my morning had taken, I smiled in wonder. My day turned around when I made the choice to live JOYfully, instead of submitting to the mayhem of another hectic day.

Every last one of us makes daily choices. Some of our decisions are positive, but others are not as noteworthy. This morning, however, I was gently reminded that my reaction to life is strictly my choice. In reality, my only option was, and is, to choose JOY now, as life is too short for the alternative.

You too can capture the gladness of the day. There is grandeur around you, regardless of how your morning began. Choose JOY and the world will enlighten you with adventures you never imagined.

Be blessed with JOY, my friend.