Magic in the Mundane: Lessons from a Camping Trip I Wasn’t Excited to Take

I’ll be the first to admit it—I don’t love camping. I love doing things with my husband, and he loves camping, so sometimes I go. Once we’re there, I enjoy it, but in the lead-up? It just feels like a lot of work. Hauling supplies, setting up camp, battling the heat or rain—it’s not exactly my idea of relaxation.

But this time was different. We went to a new state park, and when we arrived, I discovered something that sparked a little excitement in me: there were wild horses in the area. I had no idea wild horses lived in Missouri! I hoped I’d get a chance to see them, not knowing how deeply that moment would touch me.

The trip was hot, really hot. So hot, in fact, that we decided to leave early. But on the final morning, I got up early while the air was still cool and thick with fog. I took a solo walk down to the river, craving some stillness and maybe even a glimpse of something magical.

And I got it.

There they were—four wild horses. Standing peacefully on the path.

I stopped in awe. These majestic beings were free and untamed, standing strong in the fog like something out of a dream. They let me stand nearby, quietly snapping a few photos while soaking in the beauty of it all. I felt like the Universe had answered my wish.

By the time I reached the riverbank, the fog was still heavy. I settled into my chair, ready to journal, and I noticed something interesting. To my left, it was gray, foggy, unclear. To my right, it was bright, warm, and clear. Same river. Same moment. Two entirely different views.

And that’s when the lesson whispered in.

Perspective is everything.

From one vantage point, things can look bleak, uncertain, and heavy. But shift slightly, look another way, and there’s clarity, brightness, and warmth. And before long the fog lifts and things become clear.

It reminded me how quickly life can shift. Sometimes, we just need to stay in the moment long enough to let the fog clear.

But the lessons didn’t end there.

As we packed up to leave, we made a spontaneous decision to visit a nearby spring before heading home. This might not seem like a big deal, but for me, it was.

I tend to believe I need to finish all my work before I’m allowed to play. That old programming tells me, “You can’t have fun yet, there’s still more to do.” Normally, that voice would keep me anxious and unable to enjoy anything until everything was “done.”

But this time, I did it differently.

We left our camp half-packed, chores waiting, and went to the spring. I gave myself permission to be present. I didn’t rush. I didn’t guilt myself. I just was.

And what I experienced was a wonder of nature, crystal clear water bubbling up from the Earth, beauty all around me, and a deep sense of peace.

That moment reminded me:
   Joy doesn’t have to wait.
   Presence is a choice.
   There is always time for awe, if we’re willing to pause.

Camping may not be my favorite thing, but once again, life reminded me that there is magic hidden in places I least expect it. That wild horses still roam free. That fog lifts. That we’re allowed to enjoy ourselves before the work is done. I even discovered that the tasks of packing up seemed lighter.

Where in your life are you staring into the fog, forgetting that a brighter view might just be a turn of the head away?

Where are you denying yourself the beauty of the moment because something “still needs to be finished”?

May we all remember, sometimes, the greatest healing comes when we don’t do what we’ve always done. When we allow ourselves to be surprised. When we say yes to joy even with undone to-do lists.

When we change the world changes.