The Joy of Restoration
A week ago, if you had asked me where I would be for the last couple of days, I couldn’t have told you. All I knew was that I needed to drive from Salt Lake City, Utah to arrive in Washington, D.C. by the 27th. Since the distance between the two cities is 2,080 miles, I planned to stop along the way. But where?
My first stop was Boulder to visit my friend Kristi. I knew I would visit my friend Cindy in Louisville, Kentucky a few days later, but that definitely left a gap in between.
As luck (or joy) would have it, I found a lovely farmhouse by the river in the middle of Missouri. It looked like a perfectly quiet retreat where I would be able to rest after 24 hours of driving.
Little had I expected that I would hit the joy jackpot when I arrived at 10:30 p.m. Christy, my host, stayed up late to welcome me. She had also baked a delicious strawberry pie, saved some dinner in the fridge in case I was hungry, and left a wonderful bottle of a local wine for me to enjoy.
The next morning when I went for a walk, I heard the sounds of cows, crickets, wild turkeys, and other wildlife. The scenic sunrise on this 100-acre farm was like a magical painting! I was so inspired by the beauty and peacefulness of this place that I forgot I had been on the road for the last two days straight. It was exactly the recharge I needed.
Christy joined me to take me on a personal tour of the property. She showed me a river I could wade in, the baby cows that had just been born, and all of the surrounding lush land. To my surprise, she then offered me the use of their ATV to get around.
That afternoon I refilled my energy and joy tanks by riding around in the ATV and taking photos of the incredible beauty around me. I also met Christy’s husband Dexter and had a wonderful conversation with him. Later that evening, Christy messaged me to ask if I would like some dinner she’d made. Of course I said yes! Within 15 minutes, she brought it over.
I am still in awe that a week ago, I had no idea I would experience such a peaceful, beautiful place and such kind, thoughtful, and generous hosts like Christy and Dexter.
Such a true gift to receive joy like this!
