I’ve spent some time over the past week on vacation in Santa Barbara County. The weather has been wonderful, with clear skies and temperatures in the seventies. The definition of success came to me yesterday as my wife and I were driving along the road to Solvang. The rolling hills were ablaze with fall colors, the stereo was playing the staccato sounds of Coltrane and the Starbucks coffee was delicious. Simple pleasures.
Reality hit all too soon as the radio picked up the latest news of Hurricane Rita and the impending evacuations. Nature can be beautiful and it also can be devastating.
Sometimes it is nice to retreat from the daily grind and think about the important things in life. It is nice to spend time with our friends and family, listen to some great music, and enjoy a great conversation. This to me is success. Simple pleasures.
Nature has a way of reminding us of what is really important. Have you taken some time this week to tell someone that you love them? Have you opened the blinds and marveled in God’s creation. Have you closed your e-mail, turned off your computer, picked up a friend and had a great conversation?
Something to think about…