It was 1977 and I was on a 3 day backpack trip to Jicarita Peak in the Northern mountains of New Mexico. I was attending “Camp Summer Life” for several weeks and this camping trip was sure to be great. We had been hiking for a while through deep woods, mostly towering aspen trees. and I was ready to be there…wherever “there” was. My pack was getting heavier. My legs were getting more tired with every step. Then, almost like a magic trick: “Abracadabra!” We walked out into this huge meadow with lush green grass, gorgeous blue skies above, awesome mountains in the distance. Wow! Suddenly I forgot my woes and gaped in awe at the picturesque scenery.
We set up the camp and I remember lying on my back in that endless grass pillow, just staring at clouds slowly moving overhead. I looked to the side at aspen trees surrounding the meadow around us and watched as the trees began to sway. I could hear wind pass over the tops of the trees. Then the cool, relaxing breeze finally reached me and I sank further into a Zen state. Clean air, cool breeze, beautiful views…
I wished I had realized then that would later become my “happy place;” one I’ve often thought about through the years.
Why is it that when we are in the middle of what will become our “good ol’ days,” we seldom realize it? Maybe years later we look back and imagine how great it would be to revisit those times. I certainly never realized that this day in the meadow would become one of my most favored memories. I don’t know that I would have done anything differently, or done more of something. I think we just remember the timing, the uniqueness of the surroundings, and sometimes the people with whom we shared the moment.
How many times do we say to ourselves “If only I had know that would be the last time I ____”
I’d like to offer a suggestion: Treat every day like it is the best day of your life! Even in the middle of difficult situations, it only takes a fraction of a second for it to become a GREAT day. So rather than expecting the day will continue to be hard, expect that it’s going to get GREAT. And don’t hesitate to tell people how they have impacted your life; whether it’s relatives, co-workers or friends. You never know when you won’t have that chance again – and today could eventually become the memory you hold onto for years to come.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
-Philippians 4:4
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
-Psalm 118:24
In the day of prosperity be happy,
But in the day of adversity consider—
God has made the one as well as the other
So that man will not discover anything that will be after him.
-Ecclesiastes 7:14