Yesterday was HOT, but today fall weather is back, so I wanted to be outside to enjoy the beautiful day. I suggested the Nature Center, but then remembered a new park a friend had mentioned on Facebook. I asked the girls if they were up for trying something NEW, and of course they were. Off we went to find this new place to play and explore.
With a little help from my handy dandy GPS on my phone, we found Arthur's Hill Park.
Tucked between some houses and off a side street, the park really is a hidden gem.
I had seen my friend's pictures, but didn't fully know what to find when we arrived. Obviously her post on Facebook made me want to come see everything for myself. I was NOT disappointed. From the sandbox to the slides to the swings to the climbing piece to the cutest tree house complete with a bridge and several "secret hideouts," the park was a HUGE hit!
I think the girls would have played there all morning had they not needed to go to the bathroom.
I was so sad we had to leave, as 3 other moms and their kiddos were making their way to the park just as we were having to head out to go potty. Even though our visit may have been cut short, we will definitely be making our way back to Arthur's Hill Park to play again.
I am so glad my friend shared about this place, and I am even happier I remembered her post this morning since we didn't have any other plans. As I was watching the girls play in the sand and laugh on the swings and collect sticks to hid in their fort, I couldn't help but think how LIFE is like our adventure this morning.
This park is new and thus relatively unknown.
In the same way, I wonder how many undiscovered opportunities are out there?
So many unchartered waters...
So many paths waiting to be explored...
So many doors waiting to be opened...
All too often we stick with what we know - like we almost went to the Nature Center, which we have visited NUMEROUS occassions and have enjoyed every single time.
Had we done that, we would have had fun, BUT we would have also MISSED OUT on a NEW adventure. We wouldn't have discovered this wonderful NEW place. We wouldn't have made sand castles or sang silly songs while we swang or raced down the slides or pretended we were pirates on the high seas in the clubhouse. I am so glad I decided to branch out.
Given our experience, I wanted to hop on the blog and encourage YOU to do the same in YOUR life. I challenge you to purposefully look for something NEW.
Step out.
Try a new food.
Read a new book.
Visit a new shop.
Make a new friend.
Say YES to "adventure."
Say NO to fear.
Say NO to ordinary.
Say NO to "just okay."
Today is a GIFT.
Make it count.
You were made for more.
You were made to THRIVE.
You, yes YOU, were created on purpose for a purpose.
You were placed where you at this very time for a reason.
Look around you.
Do you see any waves? Hop in your metaphorical boat and set sail.
Do you see any trails? Maybe they are covered in leaves. Brush them off, grab a hiking stick, and set out to see where the path leads.
Do you see any doors? Start knocking. Or perhaps you hear a knock coming from the other side. Either way, open that door and discover what's behind it!
Whatever the case may be, do NOT miss out on something God may have for you today.
I read this verse recently and it struck a cord in my heart. Maybe it will resonate with you too...
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