Wild Road Trip (and Big Birthday!)

Between Gus breaking out of his crib at our hotel room, Jim accidentally punching me in the eye as he was throwing something into the back seat, and traffic jams and baby meltdowns….we are ready for a couple’s retreat! Ha ha. I have to say though, sometimes the wildest trips make for the best stories years after, and this definitely provided that. The highlight was seeing family and spending time with loved ones we haven’t seen in way too long. That trumped the challenges by far.

We also celebrated Gus’ 2nd Birthday! He loves doggies (woof-woofs as he calls them) so that was the theme. Let’s get this party started!

 On our way home from Georgia, we also stopped in Mt. Airy, NC (Mayberry)! Jim and the boys love the Andy Griffith Show, so this was a super cool pit stop for them. I had to go with black and white for a few pictures.

All in all, as tiring as it was it was also pretty terrific. I didn’t feel it at the time, but as I’ve reflected, it reminds me that even these little trips can be “pilgrimages” as we encounter God through traveling a different path, facing obstacles, seeing new places and engaging with strangers. It’s easy to let monotony set in with the everyday grind, and I will admit I fall into complacency when I’m tired and burned out with my many daily “to-do’s.”So, to be able to exchange everyday life with a little adventure as a family was indeed a gift.

Although our trip was not designed as a religious pilgrimage I certainly found myself praying a lot (Jesus, take the wheel!), and remember that every step, every turn can be sanctified if we give it to the Lord.  So, tonight I’m contemplating these words by Fr. Ed Hays:


Lord, we are home again,
and we lift up our hearts in a song of gratitude
for the blessings of our journey.
Lord, it is good to be home again.
Our time away has opened our eyes
to see our home and belongings
with greater appreciation.
Since half of the pleasure of a journey is in the coming home,
we take joy in our return.


May this joy be a taste of the happiness awaiting us
when we finally come home to You.
In that final homecoming,
we shall feast upon the fullness of Your Love
as we are surrounded by affection of loved ones who have returned to You before us. 


Blessed are You, Lord of All Who Travel, for Your holy gracious care while we traveled and for bringing us home safely again.


Amen+

Have a GREAT week!