The Simple Life

Photo by Travis Wyatt on Unsplash

"Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful."
~ John Maeda

Summertime absolutely rocks!  Don't you agree? The weather is so amazing and it feels just wonderful to have some time off from work. Our family has had some great getaways so far and we are so grateful for the special family time. This time of year also makes me reminisce and recall some great vacations of the past. 

For many years we enjoyed vacationing with my parents. They are great sports and so much fun. I miss those days so much!

​My mom passed away and I miss her so much. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her and talk about her.  For this reason I am extra grateful for the special memories we created as a family on our fun vacations together.

​When I close my eyes, it takes me back.

​Here's mom in her favourite spot in our cabin.

Mom in our cabin. Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana

We loved visiting the Great Smoky Mountains together in Tennessee. From the exciting attractions to the breathtaking views, and mountain scenery, we really felt as it we had been whisked away to a whole, new world. 

This incredibly beautiful landscape filled with wide-open spaces, friendly kin folk and nature in all its glory was a welcome change from the busyness of life we were used to at home in Canada. 

Our cozy cabin, nestled high in the mountains, although equipped with all the amenities you could ask for, also provided us with something much more we all needed: the opportunity to relax in a serene environment, reconnect and just enjoy the simple things.

As I awoke to the picturesque view of the mountains each morning, I felt overwhelmed by God's prescence and incredible handiwork. I felt the Bible verse come to life of "Be still and know that I am God."  

What a creator we serve and I was in constant awe of his creativity. One morning as I was taking it all in, I couldn't help but burst out Amazing Grace and I had to raise my hands to the heavens in a display of worship as a response to the awesome splendor I was witnessing. Nature so easily can be something we take for granted, yet it is wonderful to take the time to actually appreciate it.

Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana

The residents of the area were so warm and freindly. They made you feel like family or lifelong friends. My family and I remarked about how easy it would be to settle down here because the atmosphere was so welcoming. This was especially evident when we attended church there on Sunday.

We went to a church called the Wears Valley United Methodist Church and from the moment we entered, we felt completely at home. With a congregation under one hundred, their motto was "smalll enough to care, large enough to serve." 

The church had so many great community activities coming up like a Fall Fair, and a back to school potluck, we all wished we would be able to stay a little longer just to get to know the wonderful people a bit more. That is the way they made us feel, so "welcome as the flowers in May" as my Gramma Sudds used to say.  
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There seemed to be a slower pace, simpler way of life that was evident there that we so admired. It was almost in some ways that we had gone back in time a bit. Sometimes we can so caught up with “keeping up with the Joneses” that we forget what really matters.

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

I loved how there were Bibles everywhere around our cabin, scripture plaques in several restaurants, many gospel music shows to take in, and even t- shirts that said “Jesus Is Lord” on sale at the local Walmart.

Now there’s something that you don’t see every day where we come from, that's for sure. This area in many aspects was very unapologetically Christian and is was very refreshing.

While attending Dollywood in the middle of the country music shows the performers broke out into “Just Over In The Glory Land,” and “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” with passionate gusto. A remark was made by one of the performers that he was so happy that not only are they allowed to perform gospel songs at Dollywood, but it is actually strongly encouraged.

Even at the local Olive Garden restaurant, the waitress explained that they changed their policy of first coming to the table with a bottle of wine to sample, as this protocol did not go over well there in the "Bible Belt" and was actually offensive to many who did not drink.

From a society that has gone so far the opposite way regarding Christianity, it was very interesting to observe these scenarios to say the least. 

We watched lots of Waltons and Andy Griffith reruns at the cabin and I could not help but giggle at the irony of it all! I actually felt that I was living on Waltons mountain with the mountains all around us!

​Also like the Walton family, who lived with several generations under one roof, we had my parents with us too. Three generations together enjoyed a wonderful time of laughs, bonding and making precious memories we will always cherish. Yes our cabin had TV and Wifi, but that was not our priority. The precious time together was what we most enjoyed and treasured. 

Photo by Kampus Production

Taking time for what really matters is most important. Faith, friends, family, and making memories is so crucial for all of us.

It has been said that “life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” Why do we do that? I am sure we don’t mean to most of the time, yet somehow it still unfortunately happens.

I encourage you to get off the fast track and enjoy the slower pace every once in a while. Work and responsibilities will always be there, but opportunities to enjoy the simple things in life may not be.

There is a quote on my Facebook page that says “Take vacations. Go to as many places as you can. You can always make money but you can’t always make memories.” Life can get so busy and time goes by so quickly. Let’s not forget to enjoy ourselves along the way! 

It doesn't have to be an expensive vacation, just time set aside with loved ones in a location of your choice and the memories will follow. Take the time. You won't regret it and these times are what some of your most special memories are made of.

P.S. Miss you Mom! Thanks for all the great memories!

Until next time,
Dana 

Psalms 121: 1-2  I lift up to my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth. 

Little Lesson Learned: Enjoying the simple things in life is such an absolute pleasure. 

Copyright: © 2024, littlelessonslearnedbydana 2nd edition, first edition, 2015 The Simple Life

Author

Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, blogger, author, and speaker. Dana desires to "love God and love people" whole heartedly. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much needed encouragement. Dana lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or blogging, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books.

Tags: simple things, family time, vacations, simpler times, Christian values