Ten days ago my husband and I returned from a Grand Trip: shepherding grand kids and their folks to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks, the epicenter of Nature’s gifts to Earth, a spectacular conglomeration of geysers, critters, waterfalls, and rock striations that evoke awe.

The family of eight had seldom ventured off a path worn between kid’s sporting events, school, church, and home. It was our treat. They’d consistently enjoyed ventures to their nearby lake’s family cottage with freedom, abandon, and devotion to all water sports. They adored turtles and fish. They reveled in open air and adventure. They seemed like spirited enthusiasts for all things outdoors. But…

Perhaps they were uncomfortable to be out of their deeply-rutted milieu… Perhaps sensory overload bore into their psyches quick… The novelty of the experiences overwhelmed them and rendered them numb.

Whatever the cause, my husband and I were saddened. None of the pack seemed able to subscribe to the purpose of vacation: to refresh, revitalize, and learn something new. Pop-off politics was cited over and over – and over again!

Sound bites of negativity – yikes! Did they think that the buffalo, bears, elk, and deer cared?

As I’ve stated repeatedly to local friends, it’s not that I agree or disagree. I refuse to become embroiled in what I can not influence or alter while in a social or vacation mood. The angry tone is antithetical to peace and joy – and fun, which we are all about in this one life.

In the midst of God’s glorious creation, it truly boggled our minds.

Our country is crippled when its citizens supplant appreciation of His gifts to default to personal fountains of vitriol. People seem eager to disallow freedom that is free: Nature.

Not a bit like ‘Old Faithful’.

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