Monieca and I enjoyed a picnic at Landsford Canal a few weeks ago, but were disappointed we didn’t get to see the Spider Lilies in bloom. Heavy rains and high water in the Catawba River had covered the lilies, washing away the blooms. While the water had receded, the damage had been done. Park rangers I spoke to had hopes the lilies would bloom again this year, but they couldn’t say with confidence it would happen.

Earlier today we returned to Landsford Canal, this time accompanied by Jacqueline and Liam. After enjoying another picnic and watching Liam play on the playground, we hiked to the overlook to see if the Lilies were blooming. They were! The water was again higher than normal due to this week’s heavy rains, but the lilies were not totally covered. Hundreds of them were displaying their glory for us to witness. While not as impressive as in a normal year, the sight was still beautiful.

The interesting thing is I enjoyed both trips, even if the lilies were not the star of the day either time. Yes, the park is nice and the hike along the river is always pleasant. What made the trips fun was the company. The first time it was just me and my bride. The second time we were accompanied by our daughter and grandson.

Life doesn’t always give us all the things we hope for or would like to have. Circumstances and events sometimes rob us of expectations and hopes. Yet those realities do not have to make life less than meaningful. It is people that make life good…people whom we love and who love us. Often we focus on the things we hope for to the neglect of the people in our lives. Too late we discover it is the people who travel with us on our journey through life that make the journey worth taking in the first place.

I enjoyed seeing the lilies today. I enjoyed the company with me even more.

Pastor Steve Hogg