Fort Worth doesn't necessarily host some of the most beautiful waterfronts in Texas that I've ever seen, but an hour west, trekking past Weatherford and into the small town of Mineral Wells, certainly does. Sunday was sunny with barely a cloud in the sky, meaning that an activity including water was required. We did not even dare begin the day with a hike...a canoe and oar was much more appropriate for the temperature. We made our way into the small convenience store and rented a canoe from a sweet 10-year-old girl, who was eager and excited to be working behind the counter. It was funny to me, thinking about how much this work on a Sunday meant to her and what a treat it was to be there with her grandfather exchanging oars for cash while most people would not work on a Sunday without putting up a fight. It was humbling to see this and made me remember what a blessing and, if you're happy with your field, joy work can be.
Once receiving our lifejackets and oars, we were directed to the water where we hoisted the very hot silver canoe into the murky water. The edge of the shore was so muddy, my flip-flops were being sucked down so I was forced to take them off. I was wondering if this body of water hosted life (which I later realized was a sort of silly question considering there were families fishing just a few feet away.) We began to paddle against the wind, admiring the greenery and loveliness of the mini oasis. It's moments like this that words aren't really necessary. We were both so at peace simply steering our canoe to the middle of the water and continuing to be in awe of the nature surrounding us. We had to stop to take breaks every so often to give our arms some rest and to simply sit, and let the water lead us to the direction it desired (a brief dip of toes and arms into the water was also necessary considering the extreme heat.) I haven't felt so at peace in quite a while. We didn't have a cell phone, camera, or any other personal belonging besides a water jug. That was a blissful state. Being so in awe of the captivating natural world around us that we didn't care who had uploaded a picture on Instagram within the past five minutes or who was texting us to make plans for later in the day. It's times like these that I grow very agitated with the world we live in today. Yes, I too love social media as much as the next American and yes, I too have an alarming attachment to my iPhone...but this needs to stop. Our world is growing and evolving around us (naturally) without us even taking note. We're all too consumed with worrying about the evolution and growth of technology to take a look at what Mother Nature has been up to!
Canoeing the Mineral Wells lake was a perfect primer for this course. I'm so anxious and intrigued to learn more about water and about its haunting stillness and beauty.
Great reflection on your Mineral Wells experience. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI want to jump into a car right now and head to Mineral Wells lake! Your description was fabulous. I loved your attention to detail and the additions of your thoughts. I also loved that you focused both on the surroundings of the lake and your experience renting the canoe.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your acknowledgment of the young girl working the register. Your thought about loving what you are doing is very important especially for people our age who are trying to figure out exactly what that is. I sometimes wonder how kids know more about themselves than we do. We should take a second to realize the power of a child's mind.
I also appreciated your commentary on our attachment to social media. I too am attached to my iPhone, but I hate it. Our generation has gotten so bad about the definition of "social" and what real communication is. I beg for these days where I am forced to set all of my electronics down and remember what the world looks like through my eyes instead of through my phone's camera. Great reflection!