Unexpected Joys in the Journey
Traveling up the California coast, my body pressed against the molded truck seat soaking in the relaxation as my heart drank in the beauty of God’s creation along the route. Hubby and I were taking needed time off from a major project God had assigned us. Knowing others would be handling the details, we had peace of mind to dwell in the present beauty and the gift of restoration for our bodies and minds.
As we journeyed along, no rush to arrive at our next destination, I remembered this month of June held unprecedented glory if you could catch the colorful display in a small town called Lompoc. We tried to catch it more than forty years prior on our honeymoon, but the burst of blooms were nowhere to be found. Googling our journey, I directed us to the town of Lompoc where we met a delightful, chatty, small-town associate in the local Home Depot. We were given various possibilities of a route by this uncertain but helpful associate.
Not pressed for time, the adventurous spirit kicked in, but after traveling several miles with no outstanding sights we were about to head back to the main highway. Suddenly we discovered a sparse field dotted with colorful flowers. Hubby, who had been resistant on prior trips to spending too much time poking around an unfamiliar area, enthusiastically pulled the car down a nondescript dirt road that called to him.
Excited we journeyed onward and found glorious blooms of stock radiant in colors from yellow to deep purple stretching as far as the eye could see. Parking the truck on the side of the road, I hopped out into the mud that almost swallowed my sandals. We grabbed our camera and phone and captured the neatly planted rows of flowers laid out like a quilt. Up ahead were two college-aged young women running through an open space that led to the end of the bloom-blanketed area. They returned with their fists full of gorgeous stalks. They approached us and one of them asked if we wanted any. Knowing the restrictions posted on a nearby sign, we declined. Then one of the young ladies explained that she knew the owners who allowed her to pick some flowers. Her friend was an exchange student from Spain, just adding to the day’s color and joy.
The young women took photos of us with the backdrop of colorful rows of stock. Filled with laughter and joy, we were ready to climb back in our truck and continue the journey, but not before I washed off my foot at an irrigation pipe. Have you had a similar time when the Lord fulfilled a longing of your heart unexpectedly?
Back in the car, the joy overflowed for both of us. A site we had longed to see for years. It was like God had saved the perfect time to refresh us with His bountiful beauty and joy.
A little aside–my heart wanted to burst at Hubby’s willingness to scoot around areas unknown to us to find fields of flower for an anniversary present. That wasn’t the idea in his head at the time but it does remind me of one of my favorite movies, “While You were Sleeping.” In the movie, Sandra Bullock, as Lucy, states she fell in love with Jack because he put a “stamp” in her passport for their honeymoon. That was the kind of love bubbling up in me for Hubby. Love from his desire to fulfill a dream for me that we had to bypass many times on our way up the California Coast.
God has many ways of blessing our lives because He understands the truth-founded desires of our hearts. Ones that glorify Him and bring us joy as we draw closer to the Bridegroom of our souls. What surprises of joy has God given you that continue to well up with sweet thanksgivings in your heart? What’s your story?
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Linking with Blue Cotton Memory; Tell His Story
Stock…. one of my favorite flowers….the fragrance is just wonderful! I can’t even imagine what the fragrance of fields of stock would be! But just reading this makes me smile.😊
Hi Patti, it was a heavenly fragrance combined with a glorious delight for the eyes. I’m so glad we got to see this a couple of years ago. God’s blessings were bountiful that busy year!!! This is one I’ll never forget! Glad the post made you smile. I’ll have to get in touch with you.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Gorgeous! And what an awesome anniversary gift! I love those kind of moments where everything aligns – and an adventure happens where everything is in harmony – it’s like a Jubilee moment! We had a moment like that a couple of years ago when we took 3 of our sons to France (it had been a dream trip since before we married) – and we have never had a family trip where everyone had such awesome attitudes – it was beautiful harmony – it was like a Jubilee moment! Happy Belated Anniversary! God sure gives us precious moments that feel like heaven! Love your story – and the harmony God created for you! ~ Shalom! Maryleigh
Thanks for stopping by, Maryleigh. It was definitely a Jubilee moment that occurred two years ago. I should have mentioned that in the post. This year, we have not gone anyplace yet with all that has been going on with my projects and the corona virus. (Leave it in smaller case. Maybe with less importance, the virus will disappear!) The story resurfaced as I was digging through my journals to begin writing my thoughts to the Lord. I picked up a journal, not remembering what I had written within the pages and the first entry described this glorious jaunt we took. It lifted my spirits so much, I just had to share it. I’m glad it resurfaced beautiful memories for you as well.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
I loved reading about your journey! What a blessing of a day you had! God is so very good. Love, Carol
Hi Carol,
The Lord is good! That journey took place two years ago in the midst of the housing project He gave us to work on. It was a moment of pure splendor. Serendipitous. We were so grateful for that blessing, for basking in the glory of His creation reflecting the majesty of His colors and display of flowers.
Thank you for visiting, Carol!
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Lovely article, Janis! God blessed you both with the perfect anniversary!
Thank you, Kate! What a blessing to have you stop by and read my post. I look forward to sharing more of our writings.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
What a wonderful story! My husband and my love language is “road trip” and we are always going down the road less traveled – such treasures we find!!! Thanks for visiting my blog, Hope Heart Home, this week and leaving a comment – it was fun to see new faces.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for visiting. I’m glad you enjoyed our road trip vicariously. They usually bring joyous occasions and great memories. It’s fun to know that you and your husband enjoy these adventures as well.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis