Rock Creek Park in through the looking glass.

Thursday was a government holiday so I had the day off work.

It was a hard day. We had plans to bike on a new trail, but it ended up being way windier than the forecast had promised. I was frustrated that even the smallest of plans, in a world so very out of our control, was still not small enough. I was angry to be denied a little joy amongst the drudgery. I worried our son would grow cold and cranky far from home, without the backup of a warm coffee shop or public transit.

We did it anyway. And the way out really did suck. But then we were nestled into the calm of the trees, passing under my favorite bridges, navigating narrow trails. We stopped at the point where all the hiking trails converge and let our son wander. He stood on this little bridge over the creek, peering down into the water, on tiptoe with his arms resting on the railing, for a long while. And then I saw the day through his eyes. Peaceful. Happy.

Al mei menuchot yenahaleini - He leads beside still waters.