Our family has spent the last two weeks on the move, traveling from California to the Oregon Coast, and up into Glacier National Park in Montana.
Over the past sixteen days:
- Nine states visited
- Eight places of lodging
- Four time zones
- Three flights
- Two rental cars
- 2,500+ miles driven
The highest elevation was Logan Pass (6,646 ft), and the lowest was sea level.
We have made incredible memories and been left entirely in awe of the sights we’ve seen.
But aside from the stunning scenery, much of the true beauty we experienced was found in relationships. We attended my family’s 65th annual reunion and were reminded of what family truly should be. At every opportunity, we made time to see friends and loved ones, even if only briefly.
Life is short and precious, and we are committed to living it as fully as we can.
While driving through Glacier National Park last week, I noticed a collective shift in the atmosphere.
Everyone was patient.
Everyone was kind.
No one was in a hurry because we were all there for the exact same purpose: to enjoy the splendor, the majesty, and the rugged beauty of the mountains.
No one seemed to mind if the car ahead drove a little more slowly; we actually appreciated it because it meant there was something beautiful to see. With absolutely no cell reception, we were able to forget life’s challenges for a few hours.
We simply meandered, stopped along the way, and allowed ourselves to be amazed.
During the quiet moments on this trip, I have been reading Theo of Golden (which has left me feeling so many things, and I highly recommend it). It is the first time I have finished a book and wanted to start it again immediately.
We need more Theos in this world.
The story reminds us that the impact we have on others may not be fully realized in the moment. But if we take the time to appreciate the good and the lovely, and treat others with dignity, the world changes.
If we all sought to do the right thing—to serve others without seeking recognition—we would be transformed, one life at a time. It offers a glimpse into a brighter blueprint for life and provides glimmers of hope we could all use right now.
It brought to mind the question Switchfoot asks in one of their songs:
“This is your life; are you who you want to be?”
- Are you genuinely happy?
- Are you at peace?
- Are you treating others the way you want to be treated?
- Are you truly enjoying the beauty of this one precious life we’ve been given?
Life is too short to live in fear, anger, or discontent. Let’s choose to do the right, good, and generous thing whenever possible. You never know the ripples your impact might create.
We all have a story, and we all carry burdens. If only we would slow down, listen, and try to alleviate those burdens for others… it might just heal us, too.
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