Enjoy Fall

The J and I went to the mountains after church today to enjoy the fall colors and just kind of take a break away from our usual routine. We mostly missed the peak of the fall colors but there were still some great scenes. It was so nice and peaceful up there! We were by a little stream and I had to laugh when I realized there is no age limit on throwing rocks and sticks in streams and playing in the water. :) I always want to take my shoes and socks off and play in the water but it really was too chilly for that today. I'll have to go back there next summer.

While we were there the only thing that marred the scene were the random pieces of trash people left behind. I wonder (I often wonder) why smokers think the world is their ash tray. That drives me insane!! But there was plenty of other junk around too. I saw this quote from Pres. Hinckley this evening which expressed my feelings exactly:

“Our society is afflicted by a spirit of thoughtless arrogance unbecoming those who have been so magnificently blessed. How grateful we should be for the bounties we enjoy. Absence of gratitude is the mark of the narrow, uneducated mind. It bespeaks a lack of knowledge and the ignorance of self-sufficiency. It expresses itself in ugly egotism and frequently in wanton mischief. We have seen our beaches, our parks, our forests littered with ugly refuse by those who evidently have no appreciation for their beauty.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, "With All Thy Getting Get Understanding,’” Ensign, Aug. 1988, 2

The J thought I was crazy when I made him pick up some of the trash at the picnic area so I reminded him that we always leave it better than we found it. (And when I read that quote I was glad I did that!) We enjoyed the afternoon and I'm so grateful for the beautiful world Heavenly Father has given us. I'm grateful for the time to sneak out and enjoy it once in a while too! If you haven't had a chance to get out there and enjoy - make some time soon. You won't regret it!