While getting ready for our next trip, I was reflecting on places we have been to in the past. Places that when you mention them, the person asks "where's that?" Places you don't fly to to avoid, but that you ride to because they are along the way. Not out of the way, but destinations while you are on your way, for that is the best way to travel, and live life. I have found, that the off the tourist route trips are generally the best. And also the most blessings are found there when least expected. Take a step back in time, or into reality, and go for a ride. And like the shirt says, the trip is the destination. So, let's ride!
Say you wish to go to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. You can fly and be there in hours, or ride, and take five days. Easy choice, huh? Five days it is. And along the way, you get to see Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, Boulder Canyon, Cheyenne, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Lambeau Field, the Upper Peninsula , and finally arrive at your destination. Refreshed and ready to go. Each one a destination in itself for a vacation, you just got an extra nine vacations just by riding there yourself. Plus got to meet some of the nicest people along the way. Who shared other places to see, roads to ride, and places to eat. And eat some great local meals, with the locals, too. Tough choice I know, when you consider how much fun it is to fly. Just the thought of standing in lines, being body searched, and where is my bag with the travelers checks makes me avoid plane travel altogether, doesn't it you? But we both made it to Greenfield Village. Only one took a trip, the other an adventure. You decide which is which.
What is Greenfield Village you ask? Around the turn of the century, Henry Ford decided to build a living museum based on farm life in the late 1800's. Not just any buildings though, houses like Noah Webster's, the Wright Brothers, and the Firestone farm. All historical, and all set in a park like setting. Eat lunch in an 1850's inn with no power, just candlelight. Great food, great atmosphere. Ride around in a Model T, or a Conestoga wagon. Ride the train, but look out for hot cinders, it's a steam engine. Watch the horses plow the fields, and wish you could play with the kids rolling their barrel hoops. Or just sit and eat an ice cream cone and watch life pass you by. At a pace you choose. A great relaxing day, made even more so by the five day ride that preceded it.
If the mention of Ohio makes you think of the Cuyahoga on fire, the congestion in Columbus, or the more cops per mile interstate, try the Ohio River Valley. And be thankful your friends are so narrow minded and went elsewhere. Less traffic without them. Hills, turns, and the river always nearby. Flowers and trees. Rest stops to rest and watch. Stop and look at huge barges carrying goods. Watch as speed boats with water skiers fly by. Stop and eat at a drive-in where the waitresses still come to the car. Real milk shakes, not just a shake. And relax, which is why we vacate, right? Sit on some chairs on Main Street, and visit with others as they pass by. Talk with others, and become part of their day. Listen to kids tell you about the things they've seen. How did I manage to miss them? Maybe even go down by the river, and skim some stones. Far away from the lines at Disneyland, but in the real towns that they patterned Main Street USA after. No actors, just folk. No admittance charge, just a kind wave and firm handshake, no longer a stranger, but a friend.
Sometimes we forget that life is worth the living. We are so intent on getting to heaven, we forget about life along the way. The wonderful trip that God has planned for us gets mired down as life interferes. But it doesn't have to be that way, it is your choice. I am often asked "how do you find these places?" And I wonder how you don't. They are everywhere, just get off the freeway. Stop at a general store and listen to the talk. But it takes getting out and off. Out of your status quo, and off your duff. Just like your Christian walk.
Why fall into the trap of thinking you must go out and witness, when you can be out witnessing the beauty around you? And meeting others, and sharing with them. God appoints these times, sometimes just for you. Don't be so heavenly minded, you miss the gift that God has put before you that day. Tired of northern manna, go south. Too much burger and bun, try local favorites. Not all God's blessings come wrapped in wax paper. Some are piled on the plate by the spoonful. Seconds, anyone? No extra charge.
Enjoy the life that Jesus Christ promises you. An abundance that can't be found in an airport, or chain restaurant. A meal for half the price, but twice the food, and triple the flavor. No charge for the memories. No gift shop except the picture the waitress takes for you. Or even more special, a picture with the waitress. A moment in time that makes you want to ride 200 miles out of your way just for another. But realizing that the 200 miles is never out of the way, but always on the way. Other places just get in your way.
Jesus tells us He is the way. Trust Him with your travel plans. You do for heaven, don't you? He is the truth. Never had a bad meal yet anywhere He led us. And He is the life. Life to be fulfilled. Life to explore. Life to see all He has for you. Everyday-with three day weekends and vacations at no extra charge.
Remember the people. They are what makes the place. Last year when going in to prepay for gas in Missouri, the girl behind the counter asks, "why you doing that? How you gonna know how much gas you need if you pay first?" Think about that for a minute.
Remember the person, Jesus. Take Him along. Your destination is confirmed with Him, so go on and enjoy the trip. Like He says to. Enjoy life in remembrance of Him. And as you go, you will be amazed at the divine times He has appointed you. Just because He loves you. That's life.
love with compassion,
Mike
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