new things in familiar places

Here I go again writing about my favorite park and this probably won't be the last time. For reasons not worth being mentioned, I ended up with some free time to spare before church this morning so I decided to grab some Circle K coffee (my favorite) and spend some time at my park. I am not one to anger easily nor stay mad if I am angered, it has just never been my style. This morning I would have described my feelings as irritated, bummed, and let down. So I knew a little me time/a little Jesus time at the park would snap me right out of it.

I started with a quiet walk around the trails

and the once full of life lakes,

where I still managed to find some beauty.


So here's the thing. Like I said above, I came here today because I was looking for that old familiar feeling I always get when going to Agua Caliente. I knew I would feel better upon leaving, because the park has this way of
quieting my mind,
soothing my soul,
and calming my heart.
All of those things it did today. However, it provided something new for me today as well. I was sitting on the bench watching the ducks and taking in the surroundings and I looked down to the underside of the bench and saw this:

you are loved

How cool was that? It was just what I needed this morning. Now, I realize that bench was inscribed with that when it was made and that it was not specifically meant for me. BUT, today it was meant for me. It made me think about the fact that so often we are stuck in our routines and familiar ways, which is usually fine, but I think it can cause us to miss the little things.... or even big things for that matter. This is a bench that I have sat at countless times because I have been going to this park since I was 5. I often go for that familiar feeling and experience, but if I go there with an open mind and open heart, I usually leave with a new thought, feeling, or discovery. Today, it was the discovery I found on the bench. It was a good reminder for me (and for all of us) to keep my eyes open, to keep my heart open, and to keep my mind open to experience new things in familiar places. You never know what little (or big) things or ways God may be trying to speak to you or show you that you are loved and that he is there.