Palo Duro

We arrived at Palo Duro Canyon today (July 16). We decided to haul butt across Texas and instead of doing the four hour drives we had planned, drive eight hours instead. It’s been a long day. We arrived after park hours, while the sun was setting. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how the canyon looked driving in at sunset, the sun’s rays glistening off the red dirt of the canyon walls. The crescent moon peering down over the sage and mesquite. The orange and blues of the setting sun reflecting off the RV walls. It was stunning.

We got the RV set up and then turned off all the lights to let the kids experience a night sky without city lights. I don’t care how old you are, that view never gets old! The moon and stars were so bright shining through the wispy clouds above, it makes one feel so small and reminds us just how vast this world truly is. It made me think of cowboys in history past lying by a crackling fire under a similar sky. I wonder how they felt, whether they felt fearful of feeling so small and insignificant under such a mighty sky or if they felt free for having no restraints but the wide vast sky.

When we had opened the RV up we had found many things broken inside of the RV. We thought we had prepped the RV for travel but apparently it wasn’t very good or maybe the magnetic strips installed in the doors by the RV company are getting weaker with each use. We’re not sure.

I had spent so much time in Round Rock setting up our new home. I surprised myself with how well I actually got it to start feeling like a home. However all my work is now all undone, broken pieces scattered all around the floorboards. Josh mentioned that at least we’re learning but we’re learning the hard way…. I asked in response, “Is there any better way to learn?”

Truth is, I think people could tell us many different things but nothing compares to learning it for yourself. Yes, it hurts, but we’ll definitely not soon forget these lessons.

We’ve been quickly recognizing just how much control we have over what we can do. I know that sounds strange but for so many years we’ve lived according to schedules. We have to be here or there by a certain time and it was so hard to keep up with the Jones’s. Life was spinning out of control. However we no longer have any place to be. We have no responsibilities. So we can just be wherever we want. We decided to stay an extra night in Round Rock and I’m so glad we did. Then we decided to drive straight through and go to Palo Duro instead of Amarillo. Now all of a sudden we are starting to dream of where else we can go. Yes, God still has the reins but now we have the steering wheel vs society.

We are praying on how best to reach others but we’re also recognizing right now we need to take the time to get our bearings. We’re brand new to this lifestyle after all and clearly have much to learn.

I’m also realizing just how much God can use you where you are, in the smallest things. For example: I made the gas attendant flabbergasted when I used her name. She forgot she was wearing a name tag so she asked me what my name was again thinking we must now each other since I knew her name. I gave her my name and she looked even more confused as she realized she definitely didn’t know me. It was adorable. When I informed her I was just passing through and we don’t actually know each other, I let her know I used her name of her tag because I think names are important. It made her smile.

Names are important.

We are surrounded by a sea of people who are looking for reminders that they are wanted and appreciated, hope that they are loved. How difficult can it be to let them know that they are seen and worthwhile? A simple smile, a loving remark, even a joke, can make the world of difference.

So I hope that you too know that you are loved. You are seen. You have purpose. Go out and live it and share it. ❤️