JOY! It is not only found in the epic, mountain-top-moments of life, although the exhilaration derived from exciting, breathtaking experiences certainly will ignite a giddy sense of happiness deep within us. Feeling alive and joyful comes easily where the air is pure and we’re perched on top of the world.

If only we could live there forever!

While it’s an idyllic place, it isn’t realistic. At some point, life interrupts and we find ourselves in a valley. Daily living seizes us and the tantalizing high we felt morphs into boring routine. We face unexpected circumstances that challenge our limits—killjoys! We may even fall into a rut. We battle a range of emotions as our journey carries us on a roller coaster of ups and downs and all around. We wonder what became of the mountain-top joy. We yearn to feel it.

Take heart if you’re in the valley of daily grind. Dear ones, take it from one who knows—at some point the mountain-top-moments will reappear. You can turn the page in your book of life and enter a new chapter. It’s the way of the world.

Meantime, joy is not exclusive to a mountain top moment. Every day we are surrounded by beauty, awaiting discovery. Things to delight us. The wonders of nature, a kind smile from a stranger. Many magical little moments. So, bloom where you’re planted. Rejoice in daily miracles. Seek out small wonders. Be grateful.

And most of all, give. Give yourself to others—be kind and encourage. Show grace, understanding, and love. Shine your light for all to see.

Seek joy in the circumstances. Share that joy with others.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Meanwhile back at the ranch ….
The evening air feels serene and still after the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Here, it’s peaceful, relaxing. Soulful.

Yet, as I sit ever so still and quietly on the deck, I’m reminded that Mother Nature is constantly in motion. She is alive with activity.

Oak leaves dance in the gentle breeze, insects scurry hither and thither, the bees are buzzing, and birds singing their songs. Our ranch wildlife is on the move—each of God’s creatures pursuing their daily routines, oblivious to my pondering.

Mama fox hungrily devours chopped green apples while one of her kits looks on from under the deck. She’s aware of my presence but appears unafraid. Continuing to munch, she keeps a watchful eye on the timid deer slowly closing in. Interestingly, despite their size, the deer are more fearful of her than she of them. Foxes have been known to kill deer.

I am enthralled at the scene before me, overjoyed to see the interactions between these beautiful creatures. Competitors for sustenance and reputed adversaries, they coexist at the ranch. On this occasion, a shared meal brings them together, their differences are set aside.

Harmony reigns. All is well.

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.

The giant Sequoias stand tall and gnarled amidst the forest’s misty hush. Their ancient boughs stretch skyward, cradling precious secrets in their lofty crowns—safeguarding tales from centuries past.

A multitude of emerald leaves sings hymns of joy—sacred anthems praising the mighty Creator. Songs of resilience, endurance, and hope.

These majestic sentinels, silent guardians of the winding trails, have withstood the test of time. Is it any wonder that beneath their shady canopies the weary wanderer seeks solace and finds a sacred dwelling place?

Beside the towering trunks one feels a timeless strength. And look, there amongst those twisted earthbound roots and ferns, peek tiny, sun-kissed flowers, restoring grace for the soul, and affirming the promise of life hereafter.

May the Sequoia’s grandeur inspire you with wonder, reverence and eternal peace.

For Lyndsey xo

Meanwhile back at the ranch ……. after a busy week of ups and downs it’s time to rest.

The sun’s shining after a heavy storm last night. A fox scampers towards the thickly wooded area beyond the upper meadow and sits for a moment beneath one of the trees you see in the painting. He ponders my whereabouts briefly before disappearing into the woods to hide, instinctively aware that I’m heading into the forested area too. For tranquility. He understands why. How well he knows the wonder of the woods. The textures, the hues, wafts of earthy fragrances, and sun rays sparkling through the dense foliage. The sheer beauty of nature heals the soul.

After a while I return to dabble with some watercolors. It’s just postcard size—and a start! I’ve not painted in years, and only with oils, but I was recently inspired to venture beyond my artistic comfort zone. It’s good to set aside time for creative expression.

Our souls need it.

And into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul.
—John Muir

Oh joy! As we welcome May, the magnolia buds are bursting into bloom, and as their pearly petals shrug off the last droplets of April’s rain, the month of May ushers in the promise of sunnier days. And the magnolias smile as if to say,

“Cast off the fears and tears of yesterday and make way for tomorrow’s hopes and dreams.”

I hope you enjoy this short poem by Sara Teasdale.

May Night—

“The spring is fresh and fearless
And every leaf is new,
The world is brimmed with moonlight,
The lilac brimmed with dew.

Here in the moving shadows
I catch my breath and sing—
My heart is fresh and fearless
And over-brimmed with spring.”