Corner of Central Florida: Christmas Season Trip Highlights

I-75 North travelers were dressed nicely (the people that you don't mind shopping next to at Target) and the cars were shiny; but the rest stop and restaurant bathrooms were in disarray and not well maintained. I-10 West travelers were not dressed as well (the people you avoid eye contact with at Wal Mart) and the cars were well-used; but the rest stop and gas station bathrooms were clean and not scary.

I feel I'm qualified to make this observation because I have to stop at a lot of restrooms on road trips.

We spent the week of Christmas with R's side of the family and I was especially thankful that the drive to R's hometown is shorter than to Alabama. The Squirms charmed everyone she met, of course, and had a lovely time playing with her second cousin who is one week older than her. We visited the church where R grew up, helped decorate the Christmas tree, learned what aphids are, had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner, viewed the Nina and Pinta replica ships in the harbor, took naps, and visited a nearby quaint Alabama town that R's parents like to explore.

The Sunday morning service was especially meaningful because three young people spoke about the meaning of Christmas. The first speaker, a high school student, reminded us of Genesis and the fall of mankind - the beginning of the Christmas story. He interrupted my thoughts - I hope my shirt stays tucked into this skirt when I stand up; We need to print pictures of Squirms for her great aunt and great uncle; Just smile and sing and act like you remember everyones' names - with a heartfelt message about God's eternal love. Love that will overpower this world; and hope that Christians have in this love. Love that will cause pain to cease someday. The reason we celebrate this Child's birth.

The rest stops along our route and Sunday morning reminded me that I should work on my inner attitude (maintaining the parts of me that others don't see or talk about) and not worry so much about how others around me might be viewing me (in my new outfit and shiny earrings).