mousetraps and broken cars

My mom flew in to Tucson last weekend to help me drive the car and the kids up to the Pacific Northwest. Days before her flight she had a massive vertigo attack and didn't think she'd make it. After much deliberation she decided to go for it. Long story short- we made the 1600 mile trip without any problems. I secretly continually prayed the car wouldn't have any troubles because I knew that might throw us each over the edge. Yesterday David flew into Portland and I picked him up and off we drove towards my dad's house. Not 2 hours into the trip we started getting flashing lights- I smelled a little burning but I was the only one who could smell it... we ended up getting two new tires and prayed all would be well. We arrived at my dad's house and we couldn't get the brake lights off... so we unplugged the brake switch and figured we could jimmy rig the car at least until our epic Glacier National Park trip is over.

This morning we went to my Dad's church which is next door to his house (he lives in the parsonage).  Lily and Clayton did the reading for everyone and even helped sing using the microphone. The church members brought food to share and we had a wonderful potluck. My dad preached a sermon on purpose- sometimes we know what our purpose is- and sometimes we could do this or that and there's no real obvious option. As Christians our purpose is to share the love of Christ with those around us. It's so easy to live our lives and forget this truth- we think that it's all about us- our plans- our adventures- our desires.

After church we loaded up the car and put the key in the ignition- got it to start- and the gears won't shift. My dad drove to a neighbor's house to grab some tools to help- and returned with those. Then he went to a farmer's house and brought him back with him. The wheat is about to be harvested in this super tiny town (elementary class size for upcoming kinder: 5 students) and people are preparing for the big harvest- but they still came to help. The farmer wasn't really able to help us, but the neighbor thinks he knows- as he was backing out I ran his tools to him and he exclaimed, "Your dad brought these tools to fix THAT van? What was he gonna do with this giant screwdriver? The worst thing I ever did was show your dad where my tools are kept." And he drove off. We all had a good laugh when I repeated the story.

My dad, David, and the 3 kids loaded up into the tiny corolla and drove to Pullman for the part. Upon arrival they realized Pullman doesn't have the part- they have to go to Spokane, but wanted to return the kids (I won't even begin to imagine the headache of those 3 in the back seat hahaha). I offered to meet them halfway and drive my dad's old Concorde- then I received a text that read, " Your dad just told me that if you're driving the Concorde you have to open the hood and take the mousetraps off the engine before you drive it." This fits right in with the light switch in the bedroom that is jimmy rigged to a hallway drawer with a rubber band to get the light on. It's my whole childhood unfolding in front of me.

I managed to find the things I needed to make a cup of coffee because I know I need a perspective change- I came outside to drink it.... it's about 75/80 degrees. The grass is glowing green with a giant weeping willow tree in the front yard- the wheat fields are all I can see for miles- not a house or car or person in sight.... and I began to soak in the beauty of my hair blowing in the wind- the perfect weather- the truth that I am on vacation- a privilege in itself. I am not entitled to a perfect vacation- even though I have been planning this one for months- trying to get in time with both my parents and see the glaciers- all in a tight window before a family wedding. David is so good about being calm and inviting me to be thankful and laugh about the plans that are falling apart.

I don't know when the car is going to get fixed- but here is what I do know.... my dad is one of the most hilarious, flexible, generous, people I know. My husband is a go getting, thoughtful, happy man that I'd travel anywhere in the world with. I have 3 kids who jumped in a tiny car for a 1.5 hour round trip car ride to get a plastic part for our broken van- because they wanted to be with their grandpa. Neighbors came to help immediately. And I am being molded into holiness. I do believe that we have an opportunity to respond to the things that happen to us in a variety of ways. In this case- no one is hurt- no one is sad- we have an old and currently broken vehicle we planned to take on a 4,000 mile road trip to see family, go to Adam's Camp, and visit the glaciers. We are together- and together we can become the iron that sharpens iron.

Together we can overcome challenges with humility, humor, and grace.... and maybe some eye rolls, some sass, and some disappointment-- But either way the challenges are there- so we get to pick our response- today I picked sass, followed by reflection- and now a softened heart.....

So when I think about the invitation to consider my purpose- I am reminded my purpose isn't about accomplishing anything or getting my family on time to the next destination- it's about teaching the kids and myself that when obstacles come our way how to handle them. So we'll throw some frisbees- maybe watch some soccer- and take a walk in wheat country. And maybe tomorrow we will make it to Glacier National Park... but then again... maybe not.  I'll let you know.

Peace.