The joy is in the journey

Our family is getting ready for our trip to California. I am learning that the best part of taking a vacation is doing the planning for this vacation. Calling for flight information, connecting with friends we want to see, checking hotel rates, ordering tickets to popular places help create the excitement for taking the trip.

Having dreams at night about the scenic drives and what we might see on this trip make life enjoyable and meaningful. Sometimes it takes planning a trip to get one's mind off of the grief and loss. It is important to create new memories with the surviving loved ones. Planning a trip with them sends a message that you are valued and love and we're taking this vacation together to create positive memories for your memory bank.

Our God is so amazing in that he not only helps our loved one home when death comes, but He also walks with us every step of the way during the grief process and he makes all things new again (Revelations 21:5) for your family. Taking vacations and spending time outdoors and experiencing the beauty of God's creation is one way of creating new memories.

Life is hard. There will be pitfalls along the way. You will stumble and fall and not feel like getting up, but God will help you get back up on your feet and he will help you experience new things in this world He created and he will show you through this created world how much he loves you and how he created this world for you to enjoy.

So enjoy the vacation and planning process knowing that you are filling you and your family's memory banks with positive memories to enjoy for years to come.