S-l-o-w D-o-w-n

The other day, I was running around doing my typical errands; drug store, grocery store, post office, dry cleaners, etc., when I drove past a neighborhood park that I have enjoyed walking in, birding, and snapping a few hundred photos!

The weather was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l; sunny, mild, with a slight brisk breeze.  I thought for a moment about how much I had planned to do that day, and what a wonderful day I was missing.  Then suddenly, I pulled over – parked my car and went into the park.

I looked around at all the people in the park; couples, families with children, single folks - walking, riding bikes, some even skating or skate boarding. 

I listened to the sounds around me; constant chatter, laughter, birds chirping & singing, children cheering and even a bunch of older gentlemen arguing over their bocce game.

I enjoyed the smiles of those I passed, and found myself in many quick conversations with those no longer strangers.  I even had two buddies wanting to pose for a picture during a break in their bocce game.

I strolled around the familiar lake – checking out the ducks, geese and a curious turtle.  Watched as excited children threw pieces of bread towards the ducks and giggled as groups of feathered diners went a bit crazy for an afternoon snack. 

A few young sailors showed off their talents on the lake.

There were many, many dogs, which of course brought a smile to my face each time I came across them.  I even passed a skater with his dog trotting alongside him. 

As I continued, I came across others involved in all sorts of activities; badminton, deep converstations, exercising, groups doing Tai chi, and even someone riding a unicycle!

I then took a stroll on a path that goes through a wooded area, where I was blessed to spot a Red-bellied Woodpecker – and wondered, as I do every time I see one of these, why is this the bird’s name, when actually the crown on his head is red, and he has a grayish belly?  I laughed as I attempted to get a picture of this extremely active woodpecker, and finally just stood back and watched him fly from tree to tree, almost as if he were teasing me.

As I came out of the wooded path – I saw a Good Humor Ice Cream truck parked on the side street and tried to remember - when was the last time I stood by an ice-cream truck waiting to order my ice cream treat?  After this day, I will be able to remember!

While I continued to walk around, many people came to mind, and I said a short prayer for each; some I knew situations they were going through, others I asked the Lord to be there for ‘whatever’ they were dealing with at this moment, and if all is well, to continue to bless each one.

I thanked the Lord for the beauty around me, for the people in this park, and even for ice-cream.  I thanked Him for my family; my children, my grandchildren, my father, my sisters & and their children.  I asked Him to reveal himself to them at that very moment.

I returned to my car – realized it was now too late to stop by the post office or pick up my dry cleaning, but smiled and thought – it was all worth it.  I felt calm and yet energized, ready to continue on my journey – with a thankfulness for this one day when I decided to slow down.