Slow down you move to fast, you gotta make the good times last.
from the song Feeling Groovy

Good morning! When I was a little girl I learned the lyrics to “Feeling Groovy” in choir and we sang the song for a spring concert. It has such wonderful lyrics and a catchy tune that I have retained many of the lyrics and occasionally find myself humming them.

Earlier this winter we had a really “wet snow” in Wisconsin. The roads were snow covered and quite icy and as I made my 20-mike-trek home on the freeway, the top traffic speed was 20 mph.

When I got home, my daughter wanted to go out to eat as we had planned the night be-fore. The little Mexican restaurant we often frequent is about fifteen minutes away on a non-snowy day. Given the number of accidents I had seen on the freeway, I didn’t think it was a good idea to go out in these conditions.

“But we have four-wheel drive Mama,” she pleaded, puffing out her lip in a pout that must have taken years of practicing in front of a mirror to perfect. I’ve never been able to resist her “pouty lip” for long.

“It will take us almost an hour to get there,” I tried to reason. She didn’t care. I told her I would only drive on the back roads. I am a great snow-driver, but I don’t necessarily trust everyone else on the road, so I decided there wouldn’t be much traffic on the back roads.

We bundled up and set out on our journey. The back roads hadn’t been plowed yet, so we sang “dashing through the snow,” as we made our way to the restaurant in a little less than my predicted hour.

After an enjoyable dinner, we made the return trek home. By now the snow had begun to accumulate rapidly. As I turned onto the road that leads to our home, I was taken ab-ack by the beauty of the snow resting on the trees. It was one of those “blanket snows” that made everything look like it was outlined in lace. I pointed it out to Sammy and we drove even slower to enjoy the beauty to be found in each snow-covered form of nature.

A warm front was moving in the next day and we knew the snow would begin to melt.,  We decided to take some extra time to stand outside and enjoy the “lacy wonder,” knowing by morning it would be gone.

Interestingly, I always find myself in a cheerful mood when the Wisconsin snow falls. Many people aren’t fond of the snow, and hate driving in the “white stuff.” Not me. I find myself humming while veering down the roads.  During the wet snow it occurred to me why I like the snow. In my daily hustle and bustle, it easy to miss the beauty of the trees and nature that surrounds me. The snow forces me to slow down. As soon as I slow down, I can see all the beauty that surrounds me more clearly.

Your Turn:
Slow down today. Notice how slowing down helps you see more beauty in life.  Do as the Feeling Groovy song lyrics suggest and “make the good times last.”

Today’s Affirmation:
I absorb and appreciate all the beauty around me.