Travel Guide

Our family recently went to my husband's hometown to visit his family for the holiday weekend. His twin brother also came into town; so, in an effort to be a good wife, I encouraged my husband to go golfing with his brothers. I will keep the kids entertained, I said. No problem.

I sort of know how to get around in this town. The boys and I went to a park not too far from grandma's house, on a winding trek of a road that runs along the river. The temperature was warm, about 85 degrees and 85% humidity, so the sand that the boys started throwing at each other was able to really crust into their eyes and hair.

Ok. Enough of the park. Let's find our way to Dairy Queen. By following my gut instincts and the river road, we eventually found our way into town and to the DQ. Being really hot and sticky, I was ready to indulge in a small vanilla with chocolate dip. The boys had made their selections and we placed our order, the $4 in singles clutched in my gritty hands. It was then that I realized that $1.70 does not go into $4 three times. Since that was all the money I had on me and I couldn't justify putting an ice cream cone on the charge card, I cancelled my own order. So there we sat. Two sandy sticky boys eating their treats, all the while complaining that they really wanted what the other one ordered but not interested in switching, and one hot crabby mama without a treat wondering if she actually knew the way back. I was trying really hard to take the (figurative) high road, focusing on the scripture "I have learned to be content in all circumstances", with ice cream or without, hot and sweaty or cool and refreshed.

We eventually found our way back to Grandma's house. When my husband got back from his golf outing, I told him of our adventures. The trip to the park. My long-suffering trip to DQ. My eventual but questionable return trip to his mom's. I was one proud martyr, I tell you what.

He asked why I didn't use the money that he hides in the car for emergencies. I had forgotten about that.

He asked why I didn't use the GPS. I had forgotten about that, too.

He asked why I didn't just call him. I was trying not to bother him.

Everything I needed at my fingertips, and I was too wrapped up in the drama of the day to remember.

Life gets like that sometimes. We get so caught up in whatever drama is besetting us at the time that we forget that we have resources to fall back on. More than fall back on...to be the first things we grab on to when the terrain gets rough.

God has not left us without means. "His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness." 2 Peter 1:3

God has not left us without direction. "Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

God is waiting for us to call on Him. "If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you." James 1:5

There is an independent streak in me that makes me want to do it myself, whatever it is, just to prove I can. But, there is a time and a place for that. The Bible reminds me that I will find rest when I come to Him. And that is way more refreshing than an ice cream cone, even on the hottest day.

"Come to me, all who are burdened and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11:28-29