I have been travelling around on what I like to call the “World Tour of South Carolina,” shuttling back and forth between our offices in Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Winnsboro. Although I absolutely love my job and thoroughly enjoy helping my clients, every now and then I need a change of scenery and sometimes a change of attitude – or in this case, altitude. LOL.

This past Sunday, I travelled with my son Mac and our friend, Michael Covington, to our shared log home outside of Cullowhee, North Carolina for some much needed yardwork and some good old fashioned relaxation. Our little mountain retreat has a beautiful view year-round, but it is especially beautiful during the fall. I like to use my time there to reflect and meditate, and it always seems to leave me feeling restored. There is no doubt that when I returned to Columbia Tuesday afternoon, I felt a sense of peace and serenity that continues to hang over me now. While sitting on our deck and looking out at the great Smokey Mountains, a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation overtook me. I couldn’t help but to feel so truly blessed, and I thank my Maker for his bountiful blessings.