When we arrived at the trailhead, this was the view when stepping out of the car.
We are fortunate we can slow down on Wednesdays. It gives us time to look for the blessings we normally are too busy to see on days we are hurried. I’m sure most of you are familiar with the song, “You Can’t Hurry Love,” whether it was sung by Diana Ross & the Supremes, Phil Collins, the Stray Cats, the Dixie Chicks, or another artist. It’s at least as true that hurry and joy don’t mix.
I teach a Parenting class at Bethel University and one of the main points I’m making this semester is that in our fast-paced world many families are missing out on much of the joy that comes from slowing down and enjoy the blessings that are so easily overlooked. Both parents and children miss out in the rush of daily life.
Jesus and all spiritual masters have practiced and taught the importance of slowing down, being in the moment, and appreciating what we have. Increasingly secular social scientists are reminding us that while you can be happy for a moment, you can’t hurry joy. Joy is a condition of the heart and becomes a part of who we are if we let it. Our hike was a good reminder to me that it is worth it to slow down regularly and just enjoy and appreciate life while we can.