I met my friend as usual at Radnor Lake State Park and we did our usual hike of Ganier Ridge, which is not for the faint of heart or weak of calf muscle. It’s considered a difficult trail.

The weather was somewhere between summer and autumn-esque. I wouldn’t have minded it being a few degrees cooler, but it was close enough for me.

I saw a grand total of 8 turkeys, 4 deer, and 2 squirrels. No raccoons this time.

I forgot how it starts getting dark earlier this time of year. By the time we finished the trail, it was approaching nightfall. I felt like Bilbo Baggins trekking through Mirkwood forest on the way to the Lonely Mountain to face the dragon and win back the gold he stole. Except Mr. Baggins most likely didn’t trip over as many tree roots as I did.

It was lovely. For me, Radnor Lake is like hitting the refresh button on my soul. I release all the stress from all the minor hiccups in my day and breathe in real fresh air. I can actually hear myself think there.

I remember that those people who seek the blessings and look for joy are the ones who see God everywhere. They see evidences of His handiwork all around them.

Today I choose joy.