WE’RE ALL WIMPS

Years ago when we were living in Spokane, Washington, for our vacation Arlena and I drove back to Pennsylvania and West Virginia-Ohio to visit our families. They were glad to see us even if they could tell us why they thought the way west was much longer than the way east which is why we had to make the trips. Not a complaint, especially now that we are back home; but, back then…. Part of the agenda was to pick up two pieces of furniture Arlena's late grandmother had left to her. They fit nicely in the back of our pickup.

The trip was long, three miles short of 6,000 miles. And it, was, as I noted, in a truck. Of course, the truck had air conditioning, cruise control, and all other kinds of bells and whistles. It was a great trip. We stayed at comfortable motels when we were not staying with family. Meals were hot, daily showers welcome, and the swimming pools were wonderful and welcome especially while we were on the road. To put it succinctly, we’re spoiled.

As we drove across the wide expanses of Montana and South Dakota on the way east and the similar expanses of Kansas and Wyoming and Idaho – among others – on the way back, it was impossible to miss how big this country is, how wide open, how one can drives miles and miles and not see a house or even a barn.

But we weren't worried. We had our new, handy-dandy cell phone with us in case the girls needed to get in touch. When the phone rang in the middle of nowhere (actually Wyoming), Autumn's voice came loud and clear, as if she were just around the corner (or at least at the top of that hill that we could see fifty miles off in the distance. Back then hearing the phone ring while driving down the road seemed like a miracle. In a way it still does. And no matter how dull the drive, we always looked forward to the pool at the end of the day.

As we visited Little Big Horn in Montana and Fort Hays in Kansas (from which Custer and his troops had their headquarters), it was impossible to not be impressed about the fact that not too very long ago our forefathers in this land rode and walked those vast distances. There were no cell phones to call in the cavalry when the Indians attacked. There were no motels to stop in for the night where beds were soft and showers hot. There were no McDonald's or Arby's where one could get a cold Diet Pepsi, no air-conditioned stage coaches to beat the heat.

I remain in awe of all those people. I am humbled when I think about the hardships they endured, especially when I remember my complaints because the bed in the motel was too lumpy or the buffet at the diner was too greasy or that one of the motels did not have a swimming pool.

The fact that I am not alone in these feelings is no comfort. We're all wimps in comparison. We are so blessed, you and I, so graced by God. Let us never forget that the next time we want to complain because the motel is only a two-star.