Joy Is In the Journey!

SEPTEMBER 13, 2009 It's amazing how this last 12 months has flown by already. I've struggled in some of my darkest hours in mourning the loss of my best friend. I've felt some of the most painful feelings that I'll ever know in this life. I've literally have had my heart broken into a million pieces. As dark as my most painful hours have been I've been able to smile through all the tears because of my Savior's love for me. I know that he knows my grief and pain in a more intimate way than I even will. He truly has ran to me in so many way's during my time of need and He has lifted me and has carried my burden.

As much as it has hurt I have found joy in the journey. I've learned so much about myself and how strong I've become. I see life in such a different way than most people and what this life is about. When I went hiking or backpacking in the past I was always so caught up in the destination of that pristine camping spot next to the lake. My goal was to get there as fast as I could and when I did that's when the beauty and solitude would start for me. I would hike head down and pound the miles out until we would arrive. I couldn't wait to get there and to enjoy my little Eden away from the hustle-and-bustle of the grind of life. After Roshelle died last August I went backpacking for three day's with a friend and his brother. For the first time I found myself looking all around me and taking my time. I would stop, take a deep breath in and feel the crisp clean air fill my lungs. I would stop along the way and turn around and take in the view that was behind me and affront of me. I could finally enjoy the warmth of the sun that kissed my face and the cool mourning breeze that chilled me because of the sweat that was on my face. I layed in the tent the next day tired and not feeling good. I layed in the tent with Texas(my dog) for hours on end and slept all day and just listened to the wind wrestle the tree's above me. I would open the tent fly to get a cross breeze in the tent and let Texas snoop around. I found myself fascinated with the micro world that I could see on the ground with it's varying types of insects. As with us they have to live their life gathering food, raising off spring, and building a home.

"Joy Is In the Journey" and I have to remind myself every day to look around and take in the view. Spend a little extra time with someone in need, kiss a little longer, hug someone like you never want to let them go, tell the one you love that they mean the world to you, don't get casual with the words " I love you" mean it, be quick to forgive, look for the good in the world (you only see what you want), and simply put, live your life with no regrets. I'm still trying to apply all this in my life right now and forever. But the beauty of this life will unfold to us when we remember that " Joy Is In the Journey."