Recently we took another trip to the mountains of Tennessee. We don’t usually go in July, but this year the vehicle-free day for riding bicycles at Cades Cove was the day of my birthday! So, we planned the trip and stayed in a cabin for the week. Even though we had ridden there many times, this time was going to be different, for me at least.

The bicycles we both ride are called hybrids because they can be used on the road or on a trail. However, I had saved up and bought a road bicycle, and this would be my first time to ride it at Cades Cove. One thing I had discovered was that this bike was faster than the other one.

Even though I had to walk the bike up some of the hills, riding down the hills made the effort worthwhile, especially when I got to my favorite spot. There is one long straight stretch where I can just let go and freewheel, experiencing a feeling of freedom almost like flying. What a joyful time as I flew down on my new bicycle, faster than ever before!

A few days later, as we were driving home, I experienced a different kind of joy!! Throughout the week we had seen many beautiful wildflowers and also mimosas and crepe myrtles of various colors and shades. But as we drove over the mountain road, we stopped often to enjoy the wondrous beauty of God’s creation.

There were rushing creeks with blooms of rhododendrons all along the sides. The clouds in the sky and over the mountains made for breathtaking views. The rocks in a slide featured some colorful patterns. Wildflowers were blooming. Then at one stop we saw an unusual butterfly, walked over to a cascading creek, and came back to see a group of these butterflies together. What a spectacular sight!

Hopefully these pictures can allow you to share in the overwhelming joy I felt. How grateful I am to the God who chose to bring such beauty into a world that is marred by sin and chaos. When you feel overwhelmed by daily life, look for the beauty that still exists in nature—or maybe even just in the smile of a loved one!