the spaces between

"I have an idea! Let's go to Disneyland this summer! We could go just before we drop Danae off at school in Wyoming! And oh! Let's throw in a trip to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park and maybe Bryce Canyon too! About three weeks on the road sound good to everyone?"

Big ideas. It's kinda my thing. But even more than that...planning out the big ideas! 

Big enthusiasm. Also my thing...sometimes a little too much but these plans needed all they could get. 

Big places. Some new, some old. All full of happy memories.

Bryce Canyon

Disneyland, the "Happiest Place on Earth" was probably the ultimate highlight. Followed closely by the Grand Canyon and of course my beloved Wyoming. These delightful places, close to my heart, make me smile to think of them.

Grand Canyon National Park

Zion National Park

But I can't help but expound on the spaces in between. The little things that filled all the long hours. Things like singing in the car, starting each day with a rousing rendition of "Little GTO". Things like looking for natural gas stations, oh the places you'll go... or being always on the lookout for Starbucks, or gagging at the thought of eating even one more chicken wrap! Things like stepping out into the oven-like temperature of the Mojave desert and feeling your eyeballs shrivel or finding one hundred and one ways to get comfortable in the back seat of the truck with two other people. I've said it before, I'll say it again and again: it's the little things. Hours and hours of driving (big thanks to my dad who did the vast majority!!) were passed (mostly) pleasantly by our engaging discussions, silly antics, the occasional game (for Danae), dance sessions, audio books, chocolate, and much music. Oh how I love my family. How I am blessed by them every hour. How I thank God for them. Throw me in an RV with them for 3 weeks anytime.

For years we will wonder what ever convinced us this trip was a good idea. But for forever we will cherish the memories and be SO glad that whatever it was, it did it's job. 

I think I have really discovered through this trip that the "Happiest place on Earth" is wherever you want it to be. It's wherever you are, if you find joy in God's sovereign control over your life. Embrace the challenges, enjoy the joyous moments, wait on Him and trust in His will. That is a truly happy place.