casey jane

There’s a furniture store in Dallas called “The Great Indoors.” I was there with my parents last weekend picking out bathroom hardware for the home they’re renovating. I sort-of giggle to myself when I see this store, because I think about it’s opposition to the common phrase “The Great Outdoors,” especially in relation to the fact that it’s in Dallas – a city where people, in general, are very concerned about making their indoors great.

I admittedly love the indoors. I love the comfort of home, my bed, my bath tub, sitting on the couch and reading a good book or watching a movie. I’m an environment person, and I like the environment of my home. The outdoors doesn’t appeal to me much on account of any kind of inclement weather (meaning heat, cold, rain, snow, etc. – pretty much anything varying from sunny & 70 degrees) and, most of all, BUGS.

But this weekend Jason and I went on a short backpacking trip. I was reluctant to go as I considered the endless mishaps that could possibly occur on such a trip. And it didn’t help that our guide told us to bring rubbing alcohol in case a bug crawled into our ear (it helps to drown them out). But, being the loving wife that I am, I decided to acquiesce for my husband’s sake (unless he’s working and is required to treat patients inside the rehab center, he won’t be caught indoors).

It was refreshing to be outside. It was quiet and peaceful, and there was the most beautiful breeze all day long. It was a backpacker’s dream day. And virtually no bugs – and definitely none in my ears. It made me feel alive and somewhat adventurous. I spent some time reading and even more time thinking. As Jason said when he prayed the morning before we left – it was a great opportunity to do something out of the norm.

Anyway, I so enjoyed this trip. I’M SHOCKED! The hiking was so much fun, even though I was carrying a heavy pack on my back and it was quite rough and hilly at certain points. There were 15 of us, most of whom we did not know prior to the trip. There were 6 children who, for the most part, were well-behaved. Although one of the little boys may have been the one to introduce ADHD. I even night-hiked in the woods in the complete dark with Jason and 3 other guys. All I had was my head lamp. We came across a number of creatures, including an owl, an armadillo, and a copperhead snake. I was enthralled with what seemed to be pretty sparkles on the ground reflecting from our head lamp light. One of the guys pointed it out and said it was the eyes of wolf spiders. Supposedly they’re harmless, but “wolf spider” doesn’t sound like something with which I’d want to share a space. I just pretended it was glitter and kept on walking.

I could write all day long about this trip. It was really a wonderful experience. I credit my husband for suggesting we go. God has really created a lovely outdoors; we just forget to enjoy it. I encourage you to consider leaving the concrete behind for a weekend to enjoy what He has created. If you feel busy and overwhelmed…make the trip to the Great Outdoors.