We live no where near what I would consider to be civilization. It’s an amazing bit of country that God plucked right out of Eden; clear running riving feeding lush pasture land cradled between two gnarly, basically straight up mountains.
My secret valley really.
A place which generally gives security from negative influence and attack. My Pa says we are insulated not isolated. I believe Him.
Yet this means when we go out, we are in the bus for over an hour, traveling goat track roads wide enough for one car in places, with ten children.
Good thing they travel well.
Good thing they don’t mind if they sit too close to each other, or if one is touching the other or if heaven forbid, one is looking at the other in the wrong way ….!
Good thing they don’t mind if one sings, or hums a little too loud or too long, or if ones comments aren’t too ignorant or even if one determines to release a little air from ones body from a various amount of openings …. !
Good thing they are accepting of each others differences, that they are forgiving for selfishness and can offer His Grace and maintain not only appreciation for each other but have a hopeless, sold out love that outweighs all offences.
Good thing that.
Cause if they didn’t, they could be travelling on a really long journey together, maybe one almost as long as marriage, and find that the trip is really unbearable because they didn’t actively acknowledge that their sojourners are valuable; that they are really precious and given a few minutes looking in the right direction, they would see that their motives aren’t specifically chosen to annoy. Nor is their intent particularly negative.
And really they know that what they look for in a person is exactly what you are going to find. So it’s obvious that they would want to look for all the choice nuggets because that would not only be such an encouragement to them but would also set the ‘mood’ thermostat in the car. It would influence the others around them to notice and feel satisfaction and substance instead of irritation and fault finding.
This makes two and half hour round trip so much more bearable. Cause really. In our hearts, we realize that what we have to offer others is what they have to offer us.
GRACE.
So my advice on long country drives with two fist full of kids;
… drive to survive physically, but travel to thrive relationally.
ohhh the little traveler 🙂
what great movement outside the window!
so cute and what a marvelous thoughtful post
How true it is on how important it is to enjoy each other
Your home sounds like a piece of heaven! That's a long drive with many kiddos…but from that precious expression, it must be great fun, even if it is a long trip.
How lovely! Yes,yes,yes!! Grace is such a wonderful gift…grace and mercy!!! And I am so grateful for them both!! Thank you for this beautiful reminder! I love your writing "voice." It's just so comfortable, and conversational. It feels like we are sitting at your kitchen table, and sharing a cup of coffee or tea…so glad to "know" you! And your little one makes me smile great big smiles! Thank you for the sunshine! With love, Janine XO
Sweet Post.
We just got back today from a 12 hour drive with four kids and 2 adults, and survived amazingly well (perhaps all the sleeping, LOL). But you are right. Your attitude (especially being the core, the mom) sets the mood for the enviroment.
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy traveler, and beautiful smile.
Very nice post, it truly sounds like you like you live somewhere very nice, and are doing a wonderful job raising your family.
Best,
Lisa
…and then someone has to pee…
Hmm was I an easy kid to travel with? I think as a little girl the problem was I get motion sickness and would throw up everytime we go on a road trip. Eventually though, all my mom needed to do was to throw me a scarf and I'd amuse myself with it in the backseat the whole way!
I wish I could sit up high and watch the world go by on long trips :0) I wouldn't mind a portable DVD player AND my iPod as well…is that toooo selfish when there is a car load of people LOL ????
Lovely Capture…I especially like the blur out of the window.
Thanks for sharing
Cheers
Jewelz
We love the long road trips, and what we learn along the journey.
I love your photo — what a cutie!
Omigosh. LOVE that smiling face!! That's a smile that should be able to brighten anyones day. I know it did mine!
See you live in a place I believe all of us wish we did. Someplace far removed from the world but close enough we can be a part of it if we wish.
Just wanted to stop by and say thank you for your wonderful comments you left on my blog and would encourage you to come back for a visit soon.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
http://godsheart-heart2heart.blogspot.com
Oh my. So glad I found your blog. This post is wonderful. I recently posted on a similar subject and this has given me some more to mull over. We truly are the thermostat and set the attitude in our homes (and vehicles). I try to remember that every day.
Hugs to you,
Jenn
It sounds like you are afforded some wonderful quality time…
I love that picture…and what a great post. I love that- that what you strive to see in a person you will find. It's good to remember that…
What a cute picture! And how sweet that it sounds like your kids all get along so well. Those drives will be memorable for them, I'm sure. 🙂
I think this is so good! You live that far away from civilization? wow! What on earth do you all do to work?
What a JOYful post!! Love the photo!!
I would give anything to ride with all my children young again anywhere. Just to hear their little laughs, their high pitched voices and go back to the days, where I never imagined they would grow up and move far from home (though they call and visit often), go away to war, and carry the burdens of being grown.
I would make that ride long, to somewhere really great, so I could remember the joy of arriving with a carload of children who were adventurers in the world.
Enjoy that fabulous crew you have :). They sound like a dream come true.
I have never had anyone make me want to climb in the car with my boys and ride for hours…until now. It's all about attitude…usually ours, not theirs.
I meant say, love that adorable, giggly face!
O wouldn't it be grand if my boyz could make it the seven blocks to school with some good relating going on. Well, sometimes it happens, but it usually involves music. Your piece of life sounds just lovely.
Glad you got the REST post. LOL
So true to enjoy eachother.
Though I recall failing miserably at it with my little sister who loved to poke, and stare, and BREATHE ON ME.
Love the sweet pic!
This touches my heart, so wish my girlshad but a little of this Lxx
I had to smile thinking about how one can look at the other wrong. It happens in my family. It is only grace we have received we can pass on to others as we travel. B
What a fun treasure to find your blog today through "My Cup 2 Yours." I will be back, I am so intrigued by your wonderous family and your love for the Lord.