A glimpse of eternity . . .

4/3/2023

Hello, dear blog friends!

I've a personal story to share. Last week my husband turned 81, and though that's not a milestone, it was a reminder to enjoy our beautiful world. My gift was a trip to the Grand Canyon via a train ride from Williams, AZ. It was an amazing journey, a bucket list adventure for sure.

One of the things we learned on this trip was that the Canyon is over two billion years old. That's not eternity, but from a human perspective, it's pretty close. Looking into the vast cavernous area, I couldn't help but reflect on our beautiful planet. I suspect every visitor at its rim does the same.

While on this trip, I never heard one word about politics, the looming financial crisis, the embattled cities … nothing. Every person beamed, chatted about happy topics, took photos, and basked in the sunlight. I think nature calms the soul and redirects it to Love. And for that reason, I believe we need to retreat into nature's embrace now and then. Don't you agree?

Standing at the Canyon edge, I had the overwhelming thought that our universe pulses with Creator Love and somehow we are part of that creative effort. If love begets love, then by our actions we help shape our world. We're not bystanders, we're creators - with a small "c." What a humbling yet powerful thought. 😊

After a night in Flagstaff, we drove to Sedona. The road trip itself was majestic. We stopped many times just to take a photo or two or three. If you've visited the area, you know that it elicits awe and inspiration.

Our beautiful world has many special places where we can stretch, dream, and simply breathe. Sedona is one of those places for me. How about for you? Where is your special place?

My hope for all of us is that we regularly set aside time to allow ourselves to rest in our special place. We need the quiet it brings. And maybe, just maybe, we'll glimpse eternity. ❤️

Have a wonderful week, dear friends!

32 Comments

Dan Antion link

4/3/2023 04:49:07

What a wonderful gift and experience, Gwen. I think you're right about nature. It really does make you realize how petty some "hot topics" are.

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 05:32:33

It was a wonderful experience and we're still smiling. I think it's the only way to deal with the "hot topics". 😊 Thank you, Dan.

CS Boyack

4/3/2023 05:05:30

I agree with you about visits to nature. I don’t get nearly enough of that these days. Looks like a wonderful trip.

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 05:36:03

You live in such a beautiful area, Craig. Someday I plan to explore Idaho's grandeur. I hope you can escape into nature soon.

Harmony Kent link

4/3/2023 05:11:07

Beautiful pictures and thoughts, Gwen. I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for sharing this important reminder about nature and the significant things in a life. Hugs 🤗💕🙂

Gwen M. Plano

4/5/2023 11:54:55

Thank you so much, Harmony. I need to spend more time in nature's beauty. ❤️

Priscilla Bettis link

4/3/2023 05:34:53

I don't have a special place, just anywhere I'm outside in nature, especially if I'm with the sweet hubster.

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 05:43:51

Ahh, such a heartwarming image -- you and hubster outside. So true -- anywhere in nature is a special place. 😊

JILL A WEATHERHOLT link

4/3/2023 05:37:16

I completely agree with your thoughts about nature, Gwen. Sometimes just looking out the window can fill a drained spirit. I'm happy you had a wonderful trip with your husband. Thanks so much for sharing with us! xo

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 05:42:35

So true, Jill, just looking out the window can fill my spirit. Thank you, for pointing that out. Sending hugs your way. 🤗

Staci Troilo link

4/3/2023 05:49:34

What an amazing trip. Happy birthday to your husband. The photos are lovely.

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 06:45:14

Thank you, Staci. It's a trip I hope to repeat sooner rather than later. ❤️

Marcia Meara link

4/3/2023 07:10:29

I couldn't agree more with your entire post, Gwen, and I'm so glad you got to make this trip with your husband. How spectacular!! Your profound comments on retreating into nature's embrace certainly struck a chord with me.

As for my special place, I suspect you know I have two that never fail to make my heart sing: the wildlife-filled rivers of central Florida, and the ancient mountains of North Carolina (the oldest range in the world). Both have been restorative to my soul for many, many years, though I don't get to visit them as much these days. Still, I carry the memories in my heart, and celebrate the times I spent surrounded by nature's beauty. (And heck, I even write books set in those two locations, just to enjoy them even more.)

Wonderful post, my friend, and here's to a happy week ahead! 🤗💖🤗

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 07:14:04

Thanks so much, Marcia. Because of your love of nature, all who read your books fall in love with it as well. Have a wonderful week, dear friend. ❤️🤗❤️

Timothy Dittmer link

4/3/2023 07:31:10

Fantastic, Gwen! I'm glad you were able to make this trip and get away from the lunacy for a while.

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 09:02:05

Thank you, Tim. It was an amazing journey. 😊

Pete Springer link

4/3/2023 08:20:49

Terrific post! Nature does have a way of putting things into perspective. I share your perspective on the slippery slope of making all things politics. More talk about kindness, empathy, and family—things all humans should focus on.

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 09:03:14

Thank you, Pete. Your last line sums it up beautifully -- more talk about kindness, empathy, and family. ❤️

D.L. Finn

4/3/2023 09:34:15

Gorgeous pictures, Gwen. It looks like a happy celebration. I agree nature is the healing place. I was awestruck at the Grand Canyon and Sedona too. Magical!

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 09:42:17

You would love it, Denise. Thank you for your kind words. 🤗

Teagan Riordain Geneviene link

4/3/2023 10:50:31

What a magical journey, Gwen! I loved how you said "nature calms the soul and redirects it to Love." Hugs, Teagan

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 12:54:13

I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, Teagan. Thank you for sharing. Nature is a miraculous gift, often ignored. ❤️

Yvette M Calleiro link

4/3/2023 11:55:31

I agree with you completely on everything you've said. Those two places are majestic and filled with earthly energy. Spending time in nature soothes the soul and helps ground us. Great post, Gwen! I'm so happy you had a wonderful mini-vacation.

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 12:56:31

I remember your photos of your trip, Yvi, and I thought of you at the Canyon's edge. Definitely the "two places are majestic and filled with earthly energy." 🤗

Jan Sikes

4/3/2023 12:21:09

I love your observation standing at the edge of the canyon. It's overwhelming to absorb the magnificent beauty. I love that everyone you had contact with on this journey was happy and sharing. It is what we need more of! Thank you for giving us a glimpse of the beauty. Sedona is one of my favorite places on the planet and I have a longing to see it again soon! Have a great week and thank you for sharing this beautiful post!

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 12:58:02

If you head to Sedona, please let me know. Who knows, maybe we can meet up for lunch or a hike. 🤗

John Howell link

4/3/2023 12:44:13

What a wonderful trip, Gwen. I'm glad you had a connection to the Earth that moved you.

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 12:58:39

Thank you, John, it was a wonderful, heart-filling trip. 😊

Liz Gauffreau link

4/3/2023 17:36:42

Thank you for this uplifting and life-affirming post. As I was reading, my immediate thought was that my husband and I have been doing the same thing to get away from "politics, the looming financial crisis, the embattled cities" with our day trips, albeit on a smaller scale. For the truly awe-inspiring experience, I'd love to go back to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Gwen M. Plano

4/3/2023 18:07:43

I've never been on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but I've seen photos -- incredibly beautiful. Thank you, Liz, for sharing and inspiring. 🤗

Pamela link

4/5/2023 12:12:11

Happy birthday to your husband - at 81 every day is a "big" day and a celebration. Your sentiment about Mother Nature showing us the real power of life - not politics or bickering or money problems - but LIFE, which is empowering for us. Reminding us that LOVE and living a grateful life is the best.

Gwen M. Plano

4/5/2023 12:16:25

Thank you for your kind words, Pamela. Living a grateful life is best. ❤️

A glimpse of eternity . . .

Leave a Reply.

Archives