Relaxed - May it last!

One of the early walks we took while in New Zealand was along the Te Waihou Walkway on the north island. We piled out of the bus and started walking through rolling hills, cattle grazing in the fields to our left. Working our way through the pastoral lands, we climbed down to the Waihou Stream. This beautiful, blue-green stream is totally spring fed – pure and natural – said to be one of the purest water sources in the world. The water was so clear I could easily see the fish swimming along. I was awestruck at the clarity and the color.

Such a peaceful walk. Most of our group walked on ahead while I lingered at the back, soaking up the beauty of it all – and of course trying to capture it with my camera. I think it was on this walk that I really relaxed from the trip to get there – and stayed that way for the rest of the trip. It was very easy to shed the stress of our American life. The people we encountered were relaxed, the country was beautiful, and the air was clean. If ever our 7th principle was alive and well, it was in this beautiful country.

Back at home, I’m still feeling relaxed. How long will it last? Hard to tell. But I’m enjoying the feeling. I even had a different outlook during our recent snow storms. I had much more energy for the shoveling (thankfully). And when that was done, Matt and I built a snowman. Memories of my childhood! Here’s to keeping stress down and energy up!

In Faith,

Nancy