I learned on my walk this morning.

Let me go back to yesterday evening in class. The entire class was burnt out. Our instructor had attended a workshop on work, life balance and relayed this information to our class. As we did the worksheets, what I already knew became apparent. I have neglected my body, friends, family, writing and rest.  The worst part however, was my health. I vowed yesterday to walk 20 minutes five days a week.  Today was to be day one again. 

It was 7:20 when I woke up before the alarm. I turned it off and before long I was back asleep. I kept waking and falling asleep. I finally got up at 9:30.  I brushed my teeth and got dressed to walk. I didn't even style my hair. I just put on a baseball cap and went to the arboretum.  One of my issues in putting walking or exercise off is that I normally had to drive somewhere to workout. Today as I drove to the arboretum I kept focusing on the memory of the flowers.  In the past I have also been able to see rabbits, turtles and once a deer.   Early in the morning they are roaming the back of the arboretum. 

As I drove up, there were a few cars already parked. I was disappointed. I love going there early because it is quiet.  As I walked through I became lost in the beauty of the flowers, the sound of running water and the smells. I made it back to the fountain.  No one was there.  I had been thanking God for getting me up today. In front of my eyes as I sat was a turtle peeking at me.  I sat and took a few pictures with my phone of the turtles and the water. God was sending me a message to get out and enjoy the beauty of the day.  Even though this morning was not sunny, I found beauty in what he was showing me. 

I decided to walk in the back half of the arboretum. I have not been back there in years. I took the path that appeared to be open. I was concentrating on my steps. The last time I was back that deep in the woods I had encountered two poisonous snakes. I was forgetting however to look for landmarks. I was back there for almost an hour when I realized I had been walking in circles and the paths were vanishing.  I was about to panic. Instead I thanked God for taking me off the beaten path. Almost as an answer, a baby rabbit appeared in front of me.  I walked a little more thinking of landmarks.  I began thinking of my girl scout days as a larger rabbit stopped in front of me.  I soon was back by the fountain.  As I walked back to my car, I thanked God for the beauty of nature, for helping me to get back but most of all for life.  He answered me again when a turtle crossed my path.  The turtle turned back to look at me as if he were saying "look at the wonders not the irritation."

Yes, I was originally irritated by people. However the lesson is in life and simple beauty. God is good.