Or... it might be the all-American road trip!
We recently returned from a three-week road trip across the country and back logging 6,571 miles as we traversed 15 states and three time zones. Along the way, we learned some important lessons about enjoying vacation.
1. Stick your feet out the car window for a few minutes and relax! (Okay, only do this if you are NOT the driver! And wear your seatbelt properly while you do this.) Taking off your shoes and socks and letting the wind rush through your toes is relaxing. It reminds you that the "normal routine" has been suspended for a time. And besides, it's fun!
Don't you just love indentations on your feet from your socks?
2. Pack food and drinks to have a quiet, impromptu picnic! We had picnic lunches quite a few times, mostly because we were in the middle of nowhere at lunchtime. Once we ate in the car because it was raining, but the rest of the time is was wonderful to sit by a river or along the side of a road and enjoy the quiet, the beauty of nature and each other.
Nacho Doritos... my favorite vacation food!
3. Enjoy the solitude. We get so caught up in the busyness of life, in the noise of living that sometimes it's refreshing to just be alone (okay, we were together but there was no one else!). No bright screens flashing, no text or email alerts, no cars zooming by - just peace and quiet. It's good to spend some time alone with your thoughts, to let your mind wander, to appreciate the beauty of the world.
Yep, that's a dirt road!
4. Seek shelter when things get too rough. We got caught in a downpour on I-55 near Wilson Heights, Illinois. Buckets of rain and hail pummeled our car as Richard tried to keep it on the road. We finally came to an overpass and pulled waaaay off to the side underneath it right behind another car. And the car behind us and the one behind them did the same thing. Sometimes it's just not worth it to keep going.
After ten minutes or so, the storm let up some and we were able to safely continue on our way.
5. Enjoy the sunsets. Spend a couple of minutes reflecting on your day. Enjoy the beauty of a colorful sunset. Relax. Be grateful.
God paints a new picture for us every night!
I am thankful God gives us times of relaxation and fun as well as work to be done. I am thankful for the simple things - a cool breeze on my feet and a surreal sunset - not just the "big" things.
You should NEVER drive (well, be the passenger) with your feet out the window. Don't you know what would happen to your legs/hips if you hit another car????
ReplyDeleteYes, mom. ;-) I probably should have said do it for a few minutes on a secluded road. It's really not that comfortable for longer than a minute or two.
ReplyDelete