Yesterday, we had no plan, only an intention. A family adventure, as you do, after close to two weeks of school holidays. Something that we could all partake in, that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg and possibly a kidney (as most school holiday activities do these days!).
So we packed the children and their placatory snacks into the Tarago, and set off into the wide open space that is New South Wales, Australia. The only thing that was missing was a good camera, but on my husband's advice, we used our minds to capture the magic.
And it was magic. An endless tapestry of God's art rolled out before us, inviting us to be impressed, enthralled, humbled.
We saw endless open fields scattered with wildlife- sheep, cattle, horses- grazing, oblivious to our existence and within an arms length of our car. Each field offered a different and equally beautiful landscape, every shade of red, brown and green.
We drove through little rural towns whose very air told a story of a bygone era, their pride resonating from their carefully maintained and cared for heritage buildings- post offices, hotels, and railway stations. The pace of life slowed before our eyes...
We drove over a mountain as thick, heavy clouds descended and washed away the day's humidity with rain... the beauty of the limitless skyscraping forests that lined the meagre road was overwhelming. The trunks stood like loyal guards, each in perfect vertical parallel with his brother. I felt privileged to have had access to such daunting grandeur, imbued with every shade and hue of green.
And we were even welcomed by the Clyde River. The estuary invited us to dinner and we gladly obliged. Fish, chips and salad. The local seagulls were equally obliging.
All in all, our intention was well and truly accomplished and our expectations surpassed, courtesy of the Creator. And my mind's eye has plenty to reflect upon for a long time to come...
