52 Weeks, 52 Activities | A Year of Connection and Growth | Week 6 | Discovering Hidden Gems: Exploring Your City, Finding GOD'S Wonders

A Local Farmer's Market

Stepping outside our routines and exploring the world around us can be a powerful way to reconnect with our partners and discover new perspectives. "Discovering Hidden Gems" isn't just about finding interesting places; it's about seeing the world with fresh eyes, appreciating the beauty that often goes unnoticed, and experiencing the joy of shared discovery. This post explores how urban exploration, supplemented with reflections on scriptures, can enrich your relationship and deepen your appreciation for GOD’S creation within the rural and urban landscape.

Why Discovering Hidden Gems Strengthens Your Relationship

Exploring together offers a unique set of benefits:

• Sparks Excitement and Adventure: Breaking routine injects novelty and excitement into your relationship, combating complacency.
• Encourages Teamwork and Communication: Navigating unfamiliar territory and making decisions together strengthens your teamwork and communication.
• Creates Shared Experiences and Memories: The memories you create exploring new places become cherished moments in your shared history.
• Broadens Your Horizons: Discovering hidden gems exposes you to new landscapes, perspectives, and experiences.
• Provides Opportunities for Spontaneity: Embracing spontaneity leads to unexpected and delightful discoveries.

Biblical Inspiration for Exploration and Discovery

The Torah encourages exploration, observation, and appreciation of the world around us:

• Deuteronomy 8:7-10: "For YAH your GOD is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can¹ dig copper out of the hills. When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise YAH your GOD for the good land he has given² you." These verses speak of the abundance and richness of the land GOD provides, encouraging exploration and appreciation of its resources. While referring to a physical land, it can be applied metaphorically to the richness of our surroundings, even within a city.
• Job 12:7-10: "But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of YAH has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." These verses encourage observation of nature as a way to understand GOD’S creation and His hand in everything. Even in urban settings, we can find examples of nature's resilience and beauty.
• Psalm 104:24: “How many are your works, YAH! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” This verse celebrates the vastness and diversity of GOD’S creation, prompting us to explore and appreciate the variety of life around us.

These scriptures remind us that exploration can be a form of worship, a way to acknowledge and appreciate GOD’S presence in the world around us, even within urban environments.

White Water Rafting

Ideas for Uncovering Hidden Gems

Here are some ideas to inspire your explorations:

1. Explore Unfamiliar Neighborhoods:

• Wander Different Districts: Choose a less-traveled neighborhood and explore its streets, shops, and unique character.
• Support Local Businesses: Discover independent bookstores, coffee shops, boutiques, and art galleries.
• Visit Local Markets: Explore farmers markets, flea markets, or antique markets for unique finds. 

2. Seek Out Hidden Art and Culture:

• Find Street Art and Murals: Explore your city's street art scene and discover hidden artistic expressions.
• Visit Small Museums and Galleries: Explore smaller museums and art galleries showcasing local Hebrew (African-American) artists or niche collections.
• Attend Local Performances: Check out local theaters, music venues, or open mic nights.

3. Explore Nature in the City:

• Discover Urban Parks and Green Spaces: Find hidden parks, gardens, or nature trails within the city limits.
• Visit Botanical Gardens or Arboretums: These offer peaceful escapes and curated displays of plant life.
• Find Scenic Overlooks or Viewpoints: Seek out places with panoramic city views or glimpses of nature.

4. Try New Food and Drink:

• Explore Ethnic Restaurants: Venture beyond familiar dining spots and try a variety of cuisines you've never experienced. Keep it biblically clean! Always ask about ingredients and how it was prepared. Avoid GMO, GE, and hybrid foods.
• Visit Local Breweries or Wineries: Sample local craft beverages and learn about their production.
• Discover Hidden Cafes or Bakeries: Seek out cozy cafes or bakeries tucked away in side streets.

5. Embrace Spontaneity:

• Take a Detour: If something catches your eye, don't hesitate to explore it.
• Say "Yes" to Unexpected Opportunities: Be open to spontaneous suggestions from locals or unexpected events.
• Let the Day Unfold: Avoid over-planning and allow for flexibility and serendipitous discoveries.

6. Explore Nature in Rural Areas:

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Rural areas often boast extensive networks of trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in natural landscapes. Explore forests, fields, and hills, and enjoy the fresh air and scenic views. Always beware of your surroundings and proceed with caution. Visit during moderately busy times of the day and year.
• Visiting Local Farms and Farmers' Markets: Experience the heart of rural life by visiting local farms. Some farms offer opportunites to pick your own produce or nuts, i.e. berries, apples, peaches, walnuts, pecans, etc. This provides opportunities to learn about agriculture, sample fresh produce, and support local farmers.
• Wildlife Watching: Rural environments are often home to diverse wildlife. Bring binoculars and a camera to observe birds, mammals, and other creatures in their natural habitats.
• Fishing and Water Activities: Many rural areas feature lakes, rivers, and streams, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the water.
• Exploring Historical and Cultural Sites: Rural areas often preserve historical landmarks, small museums, and cultural sites that showcase the region's unique heritage. Take time to explore these sites and learn about the local history.

A Local Flea Market

Tips for a Meaningful Hidden Gem Adventure

• Research (But Not Too Much): Do some basic research to identify potential areas of interest, but leave room for spontaneity.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll likely be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring a Camera/Phone: Capture your discoveries and create lasting memories.
• Be Open to New Experiences: Embrace the unexpected and try new things.
• Communicate and Share: Discuss your observations and reflections with your partner.
• Reflect on Scripture: Connect your discoveries to the themes of creation, abundance, and GOD’S presence in the world.
• Most Importantly, Have Fun! Enjoy each other's company and the shared experience of exploration.

By discovering hidden gems together, you can strengthen your bond, deepen your appreciation for your surroundings, and even find new ways to connect with GOD’S presence in the world.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Shalom