Simple Joy

On Thanksgiving morning, my parents, Laura (younger sister), and I took advantage of the clear, crisp fall day and set forth on a walk around Tye Lake in Monroe. We parked by the Chocolate Moose - which was unfortunately closed - and proceeded to hike through several feet of tall grass. Okay, so Tye Lake is actually man-made. And consists of a smooth, paved path circling the lake. Perfect for walkers, mothers with strollers, bikers, and bladers. I prefer hiking through rough, rooty trails that have been solidly packed down over the years by hikers and walkers before me. Windy trails where I am constantly tripping or scraping my leg on something. BUT...we didn't have much time before our guests began arriving for the much anticpated turkey feast. So we had to settle for the 'fake lake walk'. Our dramatic nature taking charge, Laura and I tromped through the tall grass between the parking lot and beginning of the path, shouting out warnings, as the trail was extremely treacherous (sarcasm intended...however we are dramatic. That is just fact). There were a few brambles I forgot to warn Laura about, which she berated me for later.

So we began our stroll down the path, avoiding various pet droppings along the way.

While circling the lake, we noticed teal paint clinging to the reeds near the shore and were sad to note that people were dumping such toxic waste in the water. Laura & I stopped at the playground and I dared her to climb the play structure and go down the curly slide. Of course, she can't resist a dare. So she took her thin, 22-year-old frame up to the top of the play toy and I stood at the bottom of the slide, in order to spot her. Yes, we revert to being 5 & 7 when we are at home. And we relish the freedom. While Laura was struggling to squeeze herself through holes that were too tight and up ladders that were too small, a family of four approached the playground. The mother held the stroller with the baby, too young to play on the swings, while the father and son made their way to the play structure. The mother called out to her 3 year old son, "Watch out for the teenagers!" Of course, we aren't teenagers. Haven't been for years. But our antics and the fact that we are cursed with youthful features worked against us. The little boy ran over to the other curly slide, placed his hands on either side for support, and shouted up in a loud, sing-song voice "Teenagers! Oh teeeeeennnn-agers!" He was too cute.

Laura and I laughed and hurried away from the playground and back to our walk.

Further along we saw a flock of ducks swimming in the lake. One in particular stood out.
He would have blended in with all the other ducks, if not for one thing. He was twirling. The kind of twirl a little girl in a pretty dress does because she is enraptured with watching her dress billow out from her increased speed. This duck almost looked like he was stuck in a strong current because he just went 'round and 'round. Occasionally he would slow, re-orient himself, and then begin spinning all over again. He was free. He was blissfully happy. And you could tell he was getting immense pleasure from his newfound ability. The other ducks were even a bit jealous. There was a small huddle of 3-4 ducks watching the twirler and they appeared to be deep in conversation. Then, they began swimming purposefully towards my favorite spinning duck. He was unaware of their imminent approach and continued to spin in fast, tight circles. The herd of ducks swam determindley at him and ran right into him, knocking him off course and confusing his spin. The twirling duck stopped for half a minute. Swam a few feet away. And resumed his spinning. Apparently the jealous ducks didn't accomplish much.

It was really entertaining to watch and reminded me of all the simple pleasures in my own life. Like acting 14 again on a children's playground.
Thank you Lord for that simple reminder.