The Most Beautiful Run

Yesterday I laced up my running kicks and went for a much needed run. According to my training schedule I needed to get in at least 45 minutes. In small town Iowa you can pretty much run from one end of the town to the opposite end, and back, with time to spare.

Little ol' Denison. I've driven by this sign a million times, and I never thought it was beautiful... Until now.

It's astonishing how much we take for granted when we are immersed in an environment. Before this trip home I don't think I ever really stopped to look at all the beauty that surrounded me growing up. My run yesterday opened my eyes to spectacular views. Views I'd seen over and over, but views I failed to appreciate.

The country road I traveled down.

The emerald, kelly, forest, and yellow-greens of the pastures and fields were made even more stunning by the calm, cool blue sky and pillow soft clouds.

 To one side of the road I was treated to the sweet, pungent odor of cattle. While on the other side corn stalks were 12 inches tall, reaching for the heavens, and basking in the June sun.

My legs enjoyed the change of surface. The gravel left a satisfying and hearty crunch under my feet after each stride, something I haven't heard in ages.

Let's not talk about how many attempts it took me to get this picture. Have you ever tried to photograph your feet as your running? Holy hard!

Even this big dude couldn't keep the smile off my face as I ran. But, he did manage to get a very loud scream.

I didn't realize I was about to run over a four-foot bull snake until I was practically on top of it. 

Shortly after meeting the slithery creature I decided to bid adieu to the country and make my way back to town. I couldn't help but run past my old stomping grounds... The high school. Many dramatic events took place behind those walls, but some of my fondest memories from my youth reside there.

The entry is so welcoming. Two monarch lions stand as sentinels, while the American and Iowa flags fly proudly.

No trip past the high school is complete without a quick hats off to a place where many of my best high school moments and memories were born.

In my mind the softball field is hallowed ground.

As if the scenery and memories weren't enough to make for a fabulous run, there was more. Every single person who drove by me waved at me. None of them (likely) knew me (or recognized me), but they all waved. That's what people do around here. The simplest, smallest gesture of a hand was something I didn't even know I missed, but I do. 

Did I mention the smell of grass? It seemed as if everyone was out and mowing, leaving me to gulp down the sweet aroma.

As my tour of the town was ending, I was traveling down a large hill, a hill I'd driven over, and run down countless times. It wasn't until yesterday that I was treated to the most post-card perfect picture; a picture that could easily encompass most of Iowa living.

Isn't it just beautiful?

I showed the picture to my parents and they asked where I'd taken it. They were surprised to learn the view was just atop the hill they live on. 

As I returned home I thanked God for opening my eyes to so much that I'd missed for so many years.