There’s a country song sung by Willie Nelson called, “On the Road Again,” where he proclaims his joy at “being on the road again, seeing sights he might never see again and going places where he might never go again.”Yesterday, that song came to me as I hit the road, yet again, for a writing get-together--this time. It was a wonderfully fun time with friends, talking writing shop and enjoying our lunch together, disagreeing agreeably, making plans, enjoying a Skype session with a talented author in Alabama, laughing and growing as writers together.
But getting there is what I wanted to muse on today. The journey.
My husband and I and our two sons--growing up, were on the road a lot. I mean, A LOT! From coast to coast. Washington state to Florida. Texas to Maine. We’ve seen a lot of sights, gone a lot of places we’ll probably never visit again and met a lot of people we’ll probably never meet again. But it was fun!
How did we keep two active little fellows occupied with hours on the road?- We taught them to read before it was time to start school. Books, books and more books were piled into the vehicles with us for their entertainment.
- Games. We made up games, played all kinds of children’s games driving down the road, and they loved it!
- Rewards. Yep, lots of travel time was for business, BUT we always made it up to the boys by doing special things just for them. Museums and all kinds of educational fun stops, sand hills to climb, streams to wade in, animals to check out, you name it and we probably did it or tried to. Why? Because they were as good as two ornery little fellows could be for the duration of hubby’s business. J
- Helped them begin collections they would enjoy and could keep for years if they wanted. From super pencils to animals, knives and pictures or whatever, we tried to create a love of memories for them.
And still, even now, sights and areas intoxicate me and gets the gypsy blood stirring inside me. Doesn’t always have to be famous sights. Ordinary hills and valleys, trees and streams without names, do that to me. With music in the background from a little country to classics and gospel, I sing and tap my way through the journey.
And spiritually?
Wars and rumors of wars. Murdering, and diseases running rampant. Scary decisions in high places. Corrupt politicians and corrupt church leaders. Disappointments, rejections, sorrows and sadness. All of it thrown at us till we, at times, feel laden down with the saturation of horrible things.Yet Jesus said he went away to prepare for us a place to live and will return. He took a journey. He doesn’t want us to worry. All things are in his control. Think on good things. Rejoice in the positive things. And pray without end.
Our spiritual journey can be filled with peace of heart. Enjoy
What do you do when you travel?
