THE JOY OF FALL

It was time. We started early Saturday morning to see the fall foliage in Flagstaff. As we headed onto the I 17 freeway it was closed with a “ detour”. One detour lead us to another detour and then another one. We looked at each other wondering if this was a “sign” not to go. We had planned this ahead of time. I did my Saturday chores on Friday, went to bed early, and got up early to make lunches! Kev made the decision to “ go forward” because these were only obstacles, not road blocks. After what seemed like a very long time, we finally made it onto the freeway. As we entered Sedona to go the back way we found the trail we had planned to go on was closed! The traffic was getting longer because there was more road work so we decided to just go into Flagstaff to Aspen Corner. Throughout all the places we had hoped to see fall foliage, there was none. So we kept going. Finally, we turned the corner, and there it was! Beautiful aspen trees with different shades of yellow and a little bit of red. After all the detours we had finally made it. We got out to start our hike to have our lunch. The storm clouds were moving swiftly and bringing with it the thunderous sound of the wind, and the swishing of the aspen leaves. While looking only in front of me to watch my step so I wouldn’t fall, I was missing the best view….up. I took the picture laying down. It was in that position where I saw that nature was in charge and it was peaceful. At the end of the trip it was the unexpected couple who took, what I think is my favorite picture, our picture. We would never have had that beautiful shot or amazing day if we had given up with the first obstacle. Like so many of us, we can see “detours” as road blocks and stop there. If we look up and not down, our perspective has God in charge instead of our circumstances. The beauty of our lives are right around the corner…we just have to keep going. When was the last time you found your circumstances determining your future…your JOY? I encourage you today to keep going while looking up to Jesus and when you “turn” that final corner, you too will find your everlasting PEACE.