Souvenirs

We've just returned from a 17-day vacation odyssey. We visited 8 states, saw license plates from 46 states and a few assorted provinces, and had more fun than we deserved...by far! (For more about our trip, click here. For pictures, click here.)

Our kids have a special way of collecting souvenirs. They may not even know you can buy things imprinted with the name and logo of the place you visit. Quite some time ago Bethany started collecting rocks. Other things from nature, too, but mostly rocks. Lee calls her our little geologist. Ben has joined her, and they amassed a tidy little collection from our trip (along with a couple of the mass-marketed kind). They could easily tell you the story behind each item, where it came from, and what we did there.

On our last leg of the trip, I read my favorite account about a rock collection from Joshua chapter 3. The Israelites were crossing the Jordan river, and the Lord had Joshua command one person from each of the twelve tribes to collect a large stone from the middle of the river as they crossed on miraculously dry ground. They were to pile them up as a remembrance of God's faithfulness for generations to come.

So here is my "rock collection", the reminders of God's faithfulness from this journey:

1. Perfect traveling weather and safety.
2. Great health and sleep for all of us.
3. Enjoyment of so many new parts of His creation--mountains, springs, flowers...
4. Lots of great time with family and friends.
5. Time to focus on having fun together, and unexpected opportunities to do many things we all love to do.

Thank you, Lord, for times of refreshment. May our little treasures truly be reminders of your goodness.