unexpected journeys

Have you ever gone out for a run at sunset with the intention of following your "usual" route, but gone in a different direction because you caught a glimpse of something particularly beautiful or unusual? Maybe the late afternoon light was reflecting off a mountain, or a hillside, and you couldn't help but want to watch its dance - even though it was the exact opposite direction of where you'd intended to go - and into the wind, no less...

So you ran. And found the unexpected journey exhilarating. Freeing, even. When you reached the end of the path and turned around, the wind that had been in your face was now at your back.

Feeling refreshed instead of weary, you realize that with the wind at your back, you're running faster than usual, and you weave your way back down through the neighborhood trails, now watching the glow of the setting sun - barely visible over the horizon. You reach the turn that will take you home, but instead run up to the next bend, simply to get a view of daylight's final glow - pausing to catch your breath, and drink in the beauty. After a few moments, you turn to jog home in the twilight, quietly thankful for letting yourself be guided down a path you'd never considered before.

And when you read this, you realized it was about much, much more than a run at sunset.

+Peace, and all good, friends. May your night be blessed.