3500 Miles Later.

Back in the good ole' days, a 3500 mile road trip was a walk in the park, and might take slightly more than 2 days of nonstop driving time.I remember once jumping my trusty '64 Volvo and driving non-stop from Portland, Maine, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a two day visit, and then heading straight back. Both directions in snowstorms. 

Now-a-days, 6 hours is more than enough, and a good day is 4-5 hours with plenty of rest stops for the uptake and elimination of fluids. And on this trip, that is what we did. We had brief visits with a bunch old friends, some too brief, some too long. We had a couple of 2 night lay-overs that proved more than just a passing hello. But for more time than not, our waking hours were spent sitting side by side; Sarah navigating, knitting, trying to find radio stations that we could tolerate. Me driving and wondering how long I could last until the next rest stop. Both of us being somewhat mesmerized by just being away, alone together, and on the road. 

We didn't solve any big problems, confront any big issues, or even have any significant spats. We didn't reconnect with one another, having not been unconnected.  Nope, we just sat in the same place, side-by-side, no agenda, for most of two weeks with only miles to cover to reach our destination. And that was the point. 

There is perhaps no better way to remember how important someone is to us as when we do nothing together. To exist in the comfort of one another's presence without the pressures of home or work or money is a gift to any relationship, and the kind of gift that it is all to hard to find the time to create. I recommend it.

And I thank you for giving me this opportunity with Sarah. Being with her, having time to just drive  and let things be (meditation without the incense), and visit with old friends, all these things have given me some new energy and a whole host of new ideas of things to share with you, both personally and from the pulpit. 

Thanks again and see you in church!!!