Every now and then you have to break routine and do something a little different. Hit the road. Go someplace you’ve never been. Take in a new site. Whether it’s for a couple of hours, a whole day, an overnight stay, or an even longer period of time. The purpose is to get away and get refreshed.
Such was the case for me last weekend. A few weeks ago, I heard that Shauna Niequist was going to be speaking at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville and despite the event being the same day as the big Michigan State / Michigan football game, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to hear one of my favorite authors / speakers / teachers in person. I just knew I had to be there. So I reserved a spot and had the hubby DVR the game for me so I could do both!
I jumped in my car shortly after noon last Saturday and headed west toward GR. I had done a little research prior to this trip to see what I might explore along the way. I ended up finding a really neat drive that took me in a semi-circle from one exit off the highway to another and got to enjoy a lovely fall color tour, complete with bright gold leaves and a beautiful covered bridge in a tiny historical village. So lovely.
After getting back on the highway, I then got off on one of the main roads that boasted numerous shops, restaurants, bakeries, among other places. Since I still had about an hour before I really needed to be at the church, I decided to stop at a little shopping square that encompassed many shops we don’t have at home. And this lead to my first time in an Anthropologie. All I can say is: Woah. LOVE! A true paradise for women. I perused the racks and shelves and fell in love with almost every item I came into contact with. Everything from the colors, designs, and patterns to the books, clothes, trinkets, and housewares was inspiring. It’s what a shopping experience should be. Needless to say, I wanted everything in the store, but of course controlled myself and just walked out with one item, the latest edition of Darling Magazine. (I know, I know… the reader in me gets me every time!)
Satisfied with that little bit of retail therapy, I then jumped back in the car and made the drive over to Mars Hill. I checked in just inside the door and then took my seat among many other women of various ages and stages in life, and tuned in for the hour that Shauna spoke to us from her heart and latest book, “Bread and Wine.” She was great and funny and transparent as she answered questions from us about food, marriage, family, friends, and ‘life around the table’ in general. It was a truly beautiful evening among women. There is nothing better.
Following this fabulous event, I hopped in the car and headed for home in the dark of the cold, Autumn night. I found a great radio station that played back-to-back classic rock favorites that kept me going and when all was said and done, I pulled back into home feeling strengthened, renewed, and content. It was a “good for the soul” kind of day. And what made it even better was the hubby having a fire going and my chair all comfy-cozy for me to curl up in with my new magazine upon walking in the door. What a guy!
I’m a believer in travel and doing new things. It’s necessary for me to do so in order to keep perspective and be reminded of what’s good in life. And what’s so great is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money or even go very far to get that break. All it takes is an adventurous spirit, saying “yes” to what speaks to your heart, and then going for it. And I guarantee, you won’t regret it!
Here’s to adventuring, friends!