After the last two posts concerning grief, this post is about finding joy and happiness in life. The past months have been difficult for me as I am working through a lengthy recovery from emotional exhaustion, burn-out, and grief. Often God’s grace shines through the simple, yet beautiful and joyful people, animals, and life around us.
This is the view that greets me as I walk up the hill with my board to ride back down!
Do you enjoy the feeling of warm sunlight? Listen and feel the wind as it races past you? Do you notice the scamper of the squirrels as they chase each other? What about the birds and the movement of trees in the wind?
One way that I process my emotions is through the sport of downhill mountain boarding and windsurfing. The time outdoors and interactions with others often help me to see joy and focus on the light that God places into our lives through His wonderful creation. I also enjoy hiking and making photos of scenes to share with others.
This is me trying out a new sail earlier this year. This sail is oversized and has a tendency to send me flying in the lightest of winds, hence the numerous pads and protection! The sail is 10 ft and 8 inches in size. Watching me fly down the hill is entertaining.
Each image is an A.I. designed graphic of a real person that I have met in my journey of life thus far.
This young man was cruising downhill in style! He has arrived in town for college. He gets outdoors and rides his stress away. You will see him running sprints and jump rope to stay in shape as well. He is polite and gentle in his interactions with others.
This young man was dodging cars on his way to get to the local coffee shop. He moves quick, but with purpose. He was trying to make a picture of himself while flying around the trail. He enjoys a comfortable hoodie and feeling the wind fly past him.
This young man was brave and asked me politely if he could try out my mountain board. After I helped him on and gave a few pointers, he was cruising down the grass hill quite well. He didn’t let his fear stop him from learning something new and reminded me that we can learn and try new things!
This photo represents two younger guys who saw me and decided to try some new stunts. After helping them make some adjustments to help them stop safely, they were enjoying the hill side as well. They are hoping Santa will bring them a mountain board soon. They reminded me that I should never be too busy to stop for a moment and speak with others. Our lives are enriched when we share what we know and our passion(s)!
This last photo needs an arm cast added on the right arm. Yes, a guy was on his board who had recently broken his arm after a fall from his board. He and his friends were out testing out the hills and flying. Apart from the cast, you would have no idea he had a broken bone.
He told me that his life was hard and things were confusing. Yet, he and his friends were walking through it together. They reminded that we don’t have to be alone and can share our trials with others knowing that we don’t journey alone! Also we don’t know how others may be hurting and “broken” in different ways. And when we fall and hurt ourselves, we have to get back up and get on the board again. Not sure if your doctor would advise skate boarding with a broken arm.
Hope these images and reflections will bring you some joy. Moments of happiness and joy are there for us to recall when the tough moments arrive. May God’s grace shine on your life!
Words of Grace & Hope 