60 Seconds of Serenity – Beach Bliss

From a recent trip with my wife to the beach. Such a happy, peaceful place.

Enjoy. 🙂

I Don’t Have to Know It

“Certainly praying takes some admissions, that is, recognition of your state as a man. But this admission does not lead to shame, to a feeling of worthlessness or despair, but rather to the discovery that you are a man and God is God.

To pray is to walk in the full light of God. At that moment, conversion occurs, the restoration of the true relationship.

This conversion brings with it the relaxation which lets you breathe again and puts you at rest in the embrace of a forgiving God. The experience results in a calm and simple joy. For then you can say: ‘I don’t know the answer and I can’t do this thing, but I don’t have to know it, and I don’t have to be able to do it.'”

-Henri Nouwen

Getting Away from it All

Life gets pretty busy sometimes (or most of the time, depending on what you have going on.) I don’t know about you, but I like to get away from it all, every now and then. A little respite from being busy and, unfortunately in today’s world, a break from all the bad news and tragic events.

For me these days, that place of escape is being on the water in a canoe.

No cares, no worries…and lots of beautiful scenery to look at. That “scenery” normally includes my wife 🙂 But, last night I took a solo journey out on the water. The photo above doesn’t do justice to the magnificent sunset, but gives you a glimpse at what I got to see out there.

It was very relaxing. There’s something about the feeling of just floating on top of the water, drifting along. Ah. Wonderful. Sunsets are a bonus out there, and they often have been quite spectacular for us in our various outings.

We try to get out to different places, and we go as often as it’s practical to do so. When it comes to these evening excursions, it seems that instantly whatever cares you have from the day just drift away as you set off on the adventure into nature. Great stress relief, and always time well spent.

What about you? What do you do to relax or get away from it all? Would love to hear from you. Please feel free to comment, below!

Have a great day.

Relaxing

Yes, relaxing. Don’t forget to do this on occasion, friends 🙂

I relaxed here today. It was nice to unwind for a few hours. You’re looking at Glen Oak Lagoon, located at Glen Oak Park in Peoria. A nice place to just take it easy for a bit, listen to the fountain…and even try to catch a fish or two if you’re so inclined.

Hope your Sunday was spectacular.

 

Green Grass & Bird Banter

The latest installment of my once attempted ’60 Seconds of Serenity’ video series. Life gets stressful for everyone sometimes…so take a minute and relax 🙂

(Filmed at Edward R. Madigan State Fish & Wildlife Area in Lincoln, IL.)