I’ve been blessed to have traveled far and wide. Jim and I sailed into the Sydney harbor and gasped at the opera house that looked exactly like photos we’d seen. I wept at Normandy when I saw thousands and thousands of grave markers of white crosses and Stars of David marking the grave sites of those who gave their lives for our freedom. I trudged up the winding stairs in the leaning Tower of Pisa, we saw castles in Germany and Wales. But my favorite type of travel is still a road trip.

A few years ago, Jim and I traveled across the the United States from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine and returned west through the lower United States. We saw a lot of  land with nothing but trees and cactus, and shrub brush, We visited many memorable historical sites. We loved the 5,000 miles we drove and I believe it’s because as a child, I took so many road trips.

Growing up, we lived on the west coast, our relatives lived in the mid west and northern Montana. Every summer, we packed our bags and headed east. In the Pontiac four-door-sedan, we children sat in the back seat, vying for the treasured window seat. We fought, marked out our territory, sang songs, and when a car passed, we tried to be the first to say what make and year they were.

We stayed in “motor courts” always ate breakfast out because it was the cheapest meal, stopped at a store for lunch supplies to eat in the city park. Mom made supper in the kitchenette of our motel.

Jim and I are on a road trip now and I am awarded with more fantastic views. Miles and miles of sage brush, a sky full of clouds, signs of rain in the distant hills, and scrubby trees. It reminds me of my past.

When the Israelites of the Bible made the exodus from slavery in Egypt, they traveled for days and days to the promised land. Instead of a map, ‘God provided  for them a pillar of a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night’(Exodus 13: 20-23).

Just as the Creator of the world provided the Israelites with visual objects, our God provides us with something a lot of Americans possess. The Bible. There is so much in it that can help us live and learn.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT).

If you read the Bible only on Sundays, you would be doing what I did in my early years, I’m sad to say. I ignored it, choosing other things to read and only reading it at church. I prayed at mealtimes, and if there was an urgent need, I would pray but that’s it.

When my second born nearly died at birth and the doctors didn’t know what was wrong with her. That got my attention. I immediately prayed and asked others to pray for her life. She survived and thrives today. After that harrowing experience, I began studying the Bible by attending a neighborhood Bible study. Doing that, I found guidance, just as the Israelites were guided by the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. I continue this habit of reading and learning, discovering new truths daily.

I hope my story will inspire you if you don’t regularly read the Bible, to give it a try. If you have a more modern translation, you might want to start with that. I found reading a newer translation opened up a whole new understanding for me. My reading the Bible, just as the verse above says, corrects me when I am wrong and teaches me to do what is right.

Just a few minutes ago on the road, I saw a bill board that read: “The Bible. Truth. Hope. Love.” Words that are accurate.

Since our final destination will be an air show in Utah, I’ll close with my son and his flying partner, flying a few years ago. I play this one because of the song accompaniment. Enjoy the scenery and the words to the song “Easter Hallelujah”.

See you next week!

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