As I write this I’m sitting outside on a porch swing in Amarillo, Texas, sipping on a cup of tea and having my morning quiet time. When we arrived late yesterday evening my daughter Riles asked me which of our stops thus far have I enjoyed the most. Each place has had its treasures, and I could tell immediately that I was going to relaxing here in Amarillo. I’m a sucker for a good porch swing.

I’m also a sucker for a good metaphor, and written in the side of my cup is the motto, trust the journey. It seems appropriate for where I am right now. Here I am, I’ve planned out this wonderful trip for our family and for the most part things are going well. If there have been any surprises, they’ve been pleasant ones (like finding a bike in our Airbnb in Tulsa which I used to ride around the neighborhood in the morning). We’ve been fortunate that each place we’ve stayed has accommodated our family well and lived up to its billing. While a lot of this can be attributed to good planning, if life and parenting has taught me anything, it’s that you can’t plan for everything.

In fact, a huge part of the journey is learning how to adapt and adjust when things don’t go according to plan. Like in Memphis, when the AC wasn’t working properly on our first day (in the middle of a historic heat wave I might add). Or yesterday while on the road when a family member reached out about an emergency. For those who know me, you know I’m a man of routines and habits. I’m almost down to my last two bags of pears (pre-cut of course) and only one bag of edamame. What if I don’t find a store to restock my supply before reaching the Grand Canyon? Only time will tell, stay tuned lol.

Sometime later today we’ll get on the road and head to Albuquerque, New Mexico. And somewhere along the way I’m sure we’ll experience more unexpected events. I’ll learn to brace myself more, or is it less? (I’m still getting used to this flexibility thing).

I began this journey with a goal of my own, a desire to experience the peace and freedom that might come from trusting the journey. Here’s to the trip.

SDW3