What started as a simple stroll with my daughter, Hannah, along the Ivy Creek Greenway in Lawrenceville, GA, quickly unfolded into a day filled with those magical, unscripted moments Hannah refers to as “God Winks.” The air was crisp, the birds were singing, and the dappled sunlight filtered through the trees, painting shifting patterns on the path ahead.
As we meandered, taking in the peaceful surroundings, we came across a turtle contentedly sunbathing on the path, its ancient eyes seemingly observing the world with a calm wisdom. A little further on, a small caterpillar was making its determined, slow journey across our path, a tiny reminder to appreciate the unhurried pace of nature. Then, the real “God Wink” of the morning unfolded. Rounding a bend, we spotted three graceful deer, their coats a warm brown against the green foliage, quietly enjoying their day, completely unfazed by our presence. Hannah, with her keen eye and joyful spirit, whispered, “That’s a God Wink” and it truly felt like a special acknowledgment of our shared moment.
Our walk also offered a breathtaking view of the Woodward Mill Dam, a tribute to both nature’s power and human ingenuity, its steady flow a soothing soundtrack to our morning.
After our invigorating hike, the warmth of the afternoon called for a different kind of refreshment. We headed to the pool, where the fun continued with my son, Dylan, his wonderful girlfriend, Madison, and of course, Hannah. The water was a welcome embrace, and the laughter and splashing filled the air as we enjoyed a perfect interlude of family time, punctuated by cannonballs and cheerful banter.
As dusk began to settle, we made our way to the grand finale of our day: fireworks in Auburn, GA. Finding a great spot, we settled in as the sky transformed into a canvas of brilliant light and color. Each burst and crackle was a punctuation mark on a day already bursting with joy and connection. From the quiet “God Winks” of the morning to the explosive beauty of the evening, it was a reminder of how simple pleasures, shared with loved ones, create the most vibrant and lasting memories.
What “God Winks” have you experienced lately?
Blue to Beyond 