Memorial Park

I continue to be amazed at the transformation that has been done to Memorial Park. And though it seems like a childlike wonder I still am touched with a flicker of joy each time I drive through the tunnels.  I had only seen the changes of the park from the exterior but a couple of weeks ago, a sweet friend of mine who is addicted to the outdoors and has walked the park often took my husband and I on a bike tour (you can rent bikes there) through the slightly tamed beautiful wilderness and renovation areas of updated sectors that are only seen from within.  

Memorial Park, transformed, is and has been a well thought out community project that was designed and master planned for many years and now we are able to see the fruits of the many teams of professionals and visionaries. There are so many spots and places to explore.  And just to name a few:  spaces for play, for picnics, trails for both walking and biking, quiet meadows if you need some quiet time and even many structures throughout with accommodating facilities.  Tennis, golf, walking, group meeting places, people watching, biking or even just sitting in this environment is sure to give you a peace of mind and spirit.  Parking is easy and there are several options.  And there are two areas where the bikes are rented. 

There are ponds that tend to serve some big noisy frogs, and water features that keep the circulating system in place. There is a pleasant stopping point with a wooden deck and even a food truck tucked in the woods.  I, along, with many others I am sure,, appreciate the amazing gracious donors who have contributed to this wonderful addition to our city; for it will be enjoyed by many and is an excellent natural outdoor place to  escape busy city life and exercise, and enjoy time with friends and family.  

And if you are wondering where God come into this story, it is twofold.  First is the “nature” of being outside.  The “Genesis” of the bible, as you know, is our first reference to a garden.  And though the park is not a garden it is a place to wonder in nature, enjoy the beauty of everything outside and  make time for reflection and spend a little time in prayer to our God whose grace and mercy and power is sufficient to meet all our needs.  

As you reflect on where our provisions come from, consider too, the little things: our pleasant weather (mostly), the skies, the foliage, the grass beneath your feet, and the smells of fresh air, and the freedom of taking time to quietly be surrounded by God’s creation of this natural park and of his many blessings that he has bestowed upon us. 

Psalm 104:34  

May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. 

The second thought is adventure.  This park is something that I see several times a week as I pass through the tunnels, but it is only when I made the time to explore it that opportunity to engage in it came to true life.  There are so many things that we see from the outside and seldom explore that we sometimes miss seeing the real beauty that lies within.  The Park is on my way to and from a destination, but I must make the effort to stop and pursue the adventure.  

Too many times the fun stuff is right in our backyard, but we don’t take time to do a little something different, get out of routine and do something new.  I think adventures are important; they make us stop and pause and appreciate things that are often right before us, but we are too often engulfed in schedules and calendars to think outside our controlled boxes of life.  Adventures come face to face in conflict with routines, and routines sometimes get boring and make us yearn for something a little off our mark. So seize them... seize even one one them. God has given us infinite resources to explore if only we will make a decided effort to find/do something new and different. 

We are called to be joyful in the Lord but are we? .... And if we aren't isn't is something of our own making or our own choice. We can be joyful in the lord for he is everything good..Even the trials that come before us are for our own good...by his own good design. Love you guys! and so does God. Go out and have some fun and find an adventure that suits your soul.

Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation he has allowed you to be in...for his Glory will shine through!

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