Experience Outdoors

Earlier this semester when we wrote our essays on a sacred place in our lives and I wrote on the trails along the James River in Richmond, Virginia. I described how these trails had seen me through all walks of life. Over time I have walked them alone as well as with others who have been big parts of my life. It is always such a special time getting to go back there and walk along the beautiful river and reflect, pray and just be present in nature.

Over Thanksgiving break I got to break away for an hour and go on a run there. It was a quiet morning and I was able to escape from the chaotic thanksgiving schedule just for a little. As I ran I spent my time listening to music like I usually do when I run (sorry kip), but I made sure to take time at the end to put my phone away and just listen to the sounds around me. The wind in the trees and the sound of leaves crunching under my feet (one of my most favorite sounds in the world). Then I found a nice piece of wood to sit on by the river and watch the ducks swim around and bob their heads in and out of the water. Before I knew it a golden retriever was in my presence as he bounded into the water, happy as can be. As a lover of dogs it brought me so much joy to see this dog so excited by the water as he jumped into it. Not long after he jumped in, his owners came following behind him with sticks in hand to throw into the water for him to fetch. He went in and out about five times, and each time coming out of the water he would stare right at me for a good while, almost questioning if he wanted to break away from his game of fetch to come say hello. Then on the last toss into the river he fetched the stick and started to make a direct run towards me. At full speed he came towards me, slowing down when his wet body collided with my legs. He did not hold back one bit as he jumped on my lap and spun his body around making sure I felt just how cold the river water was. After that he ran back to his owners and the three of them walked away. I tend to forget how much joy those small happenings in life bring me, but I was very thankful to be reminded.

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