"i like that we don't have smartphones"

So many times, we are so caught up in how to do things the most efficient way or the most convenient way that we forget the beauty of simplicity.

I was so thankful to be able to spend the day with Brad, Katelyn, and Marianne. We drove an hour and a half south to Brown County and spent the day hiking and hanging out. We hiked about 4 hours with no destination and no plan of action. 

Brad and Katelyn are our new Sunday School teachers and I love that they set aside the whole day to do nothing other than get to know us. I loved that during the car ride and hike, we never ran out of things to talk about.

I loved the fall colors that surrounded us. I loved finding out things we had in common and making connections of people we knew. I loved that Caddice, their newly adopted dog came with. I loved that we each sang the hymn that was on our mind, regardless of whether or not we remembered all the words. 

 

I liked that for the 4 hours that we were hiking, we didn't need to check our phones. I liked that we had each other's full attention. I liked hearing Brad share stories of when he was in China, Katelyn's worst carsick experiences, and Marianne's tour in Brazil led by a hipster wearing a speedo.

An awesome day doesn't always need to be filled with accomplished tasks, sometimes, it just requires being present where you are. Breathing in the grace we're given through nature and the fellowship with the people around us, I think that simplicity brings so much joy. Walk, talk, and encourage. No cell phones required.