THESINGLEFRUGALTON

One way I have found which has helped me in enjoying life while still living below my means, is recognizing the simple pleasures life presents us with. From time to time I plan to write about some of the simple pleasures I have recognized in my own life.

Nature offers many opportunities to experience simple pleasures.

In June of 2005 I decided to go spend a few days in Fredricksburg, TX. My last year as a teacher had come to an end a few weeks earlier, and I felt as though I needed a get away. Fredricksburg was a town I’d wanted to explore before because of it’s German heritage, the abundance of antique shops, and its proximity to Enchanted Rock.

After much planning and researching prices, I reserved a one-bedroom cottage for two nights. The trip was paid for by items I had been selling on Ebay for the previous six-months.

My first night there I was delighted to see that the cottage had a front porch with a swing. As soon as I had unpacked, I took a book and settled onto the swing. Swinging gently back and forth, enjoying the warm June breeze, and watching butterflies flit from flower to flower in the front yard — heavenly. I must have sat out there for at least two hours before the sky began to darken with rain clouds.

That night I listened as thunder boomed, watched as lightning played across the sky, and as rain poured down being swept side to side by the wind. What a reminder of God’s power and strength.

The next day I planned on hiking Enchanted Rock. I had been there before, many years earlier with a church youth group. Thankfully, the rain clouds had passed on to other areas, so I didn’t have to worry about whether I’d be allowed on the Rock or not.

Hiking up Enchanted Rock was a slow process. Every so often I had to stop to catch my breath, but after awhile that wasn’t the only reason I would stop. Sitting down and looking out over the area from progressively higher points was awe-inspiring and invigorating. Finally I reached the top. I saw the caves where our church group had gone spelunking before, but figured it probably wasn’t a good idea for me to do by myself.

I continued on to explore some more. On the other side of the caves, I found a copse. Underneath several of the trees, was a perfect place for me to sit down and look out. I stayed there for several hours, my heart filled with the joy and wonder of nature. I couldn’t help but sing praise songs to the one who created all I saw and felt and heard and smelled. I felt as though God spoke to me, reassuring me that he was with me and I was his child.

Upon descending Enchanted Rock, I somehow missed the trail. (Those who know my err…sense of direction . . probably wouldn’t be too surprised.) The longer I tried finding my way back to the correct trail, the more worried I became. The terrain was getting more and more difficult. Finally I came to a point where I just didn’t see a way to continue. I cried out to God and asked him to show me the way, that I couldn’t find it on my own. A few minutes later I noticed some other hikers descending not very far from me. Although there was a gully between me and them, it wasn’t too deep, so I decided to chance it. I was able to make my way across, and eventually found the trail again.

My heart was so full of gratitude and praise as I found my car and returned to my cottage.

This experience is something I am able to go back to in my heart and mind whenever I need to be reminded of God’s love for me.

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