Today I really let my hair down (metaphorically speaking). I had a fun time playing with the kids at the hotel swimming pool this morning. Our vacation has been a relaxing time as we've not driven very far in any one day, and we have had a late checkout at each of our hotel stays thus far. It's been nice not to have to worry about a schedule during this time.
Both my devotional and my scripture reading today dealt with the same kinds of things... Not worrying about what people think about you. Remaining obedient to God no matter what others may think or say about me is what I care to be concerned about.
My reading took me to Genesis, chapter 7. God instructs Noah to gather the animals into the ark and then Noah and his family. Once safely inside God shut the door. All the many years that Noah undoubtedly had to withstand ridicule and harassment, yet remained obedient to what God had instructed him to do.
Lord, may I remain true to the calling you have upon my life to love you, love my family, and to love all others you place in my life. Give me strength to serve without hesitation and to love unashamedly (is that a word?... I guess so since spell check didn't catch it!).

Today was a wonderful time of experiencing God's creation... and doing so while riding 4-wheelers. Me and my three kids road through the mountains of Southeast KY for several hours. I am extremely proud of my oldest son. Today was really his first time trail riding and he did great! As I rode behind him I realized that he was doing this completely on his own... There was nothing I could do (or very little other than to yell instructions to him) to protect him.

My devotional reading today took me to Genesis, chapter 2. I read of God's creation. God created the heaven's and the earth; He created man and woman; He gave them everything they needed, but then He allowed them to "rule over the earth." To some extent God gave them the freedom to live their lives.

Now as a parent and allowing my children to live their lives... a part of this means that I let them make their own choices and I can't always protect them. God also allows me to make choices and He doesn't always protect me from them.

THINGS WE'VE LEARNED FROM OUR FAMILY VACATION:

• Caden - The no talking to strangers just doesn't register with this boy! (just like his Mom)
• Karissa - Trying to carry on a conversation while riding a roller coaster is not easy... but this hasn't kept her from trying.
• Christian - Carnival games are not designed to be won.
• Angela - Stopping to ask for directions is still preferred over the GPS.
• Mike - When using Gorilla glue to repair a flip-flop keep fingers completely away from drying glue.

Yesterday me and my family left for our first ever two week vacation. We will be traveling through a total of seven states, approximately 2,700 miles over 14 days. How appropriate my personal devotion this morning dealt with a strategy of patience (I'm always thankful to my Lord for the help He gives, always at the right time).
Thinking about patience... yesterday we made one of our many stops on the way to enjoy a lunch and stretch our legs at a rest area along I-75. While our youngest was using the restroom I stood outside the stall door and waited... and waited... and waited. Occasionally I would ask if he was okay and if he was close to being finished. I did this for a couple of reasons: I was getting tired of standing in the men's room... not something most any guy likes to do; and two, to get him to be quiet from his singing while he did his business. Along with the singing was the loud grunting and occasional 'play by play' of what was happening. Then came the 'big questions' from behind the stall door... "Daddy, why this... and why that..." (I'll spare you the full questions involving body function and anatomy). To say the least I was ready for him to be finished.
My reading this morning came from James, chapter 2. A heading in this chapter is "Favoritism Forbidden" and deals with not discriminating between people, but show mercy to all. The favoritism that immediately comes to my mind is my personal favoritism... doing what I want instead of giving the appropriate consideration to others (in my situation of life right now... to my family while on vacation).
Thank you Lord, for giving me a reminder of what is really important and how to make this time the best.