Seeking Rest and Family Time: An Autumn Day Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Our Veterans Day weekend was spent driving through the mountains of Virginia, enjoying the loveliness of God’s creation, stopping for pictures and views from Lovers Leap and picturesque Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  

The Mabry Mill Resturant was closed for the season, so we had lunch for the first time at the Crooked Road Café, where we feasted on turtle and pumpkin cheesecake. It was scrumptious! The owner's wife makes the pumpkin cheesecake from scratch. 

We rested, and relaxed, and took time for ourselves away from the rest of the world, simply to enjoy nature and each other. In a world that can be so busy, we have to be intentional about taking rest.  It is so important to take advantage of these moments, to find solace and silence, to refocus, and regroup.

From Mabry Mill, we continued several miles north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit my grandparents, who live atop of 35 picturesque acres overlooking the rolling hills and scenic valleys of Southwest Virginia.  

Isn’t it funny how something so simple as a drive through the mountains of Virginia can spark so much appreciation for God’s abundance in nature and in our lives.

My Papa Allen just celebrated his 80th birthday, and I am so happy that we had the opportunity to tell him Happy Birthday in person!

Happy birthday Papa Allen!

I'm so glad we made time to get away. It is now Monday morning, we are all back to school and work, and I feel ready to conquer whatever this week throws at me! I may just close my eyes, envision colorful Autumn leaves, feel the warm glow of the fire on the mountaintop, and remember the taste of sweet pumpkin cheesecake.  

If you need some space, some quiet time, or just to rest and rejuvenate, write it in your calendar today. Be intentional in your pursuit of rest. It doesn't even have to be a whole day. Set aside 15 minutes if that's all you have. Turn off your phone. Light a candle. Close your eyes. Play some gentle music. Pray. Read. Make a point to take good care of yourself. 

xoxo, Erin

Southern Virginia Mom

Dear Lord, Thank You so much for Your creation. Thank you for leading by example and imparting to us the necessity of rest.  Help us to be intentional with our schedules, reminding us that rest is good for our bodies, souls, and minds, and is in accordance with Your Will for us. Thank you for a safe trip, for time spent with special family members, for a gorgeous sunny day, orange autumn leaves, changing seasons and scenic hills and valleys of Virginia. Thank you for time spent with family, endless laughter, and memories to last for years to come.  Amen.