HOME FROM VACATION 2013

When day came, Jesus left and went to a secluded place; and the crowds were searching for Him . . . (Luke 4:42).

Even Jesus needed some time off, though His times off were short.  Every year the Tom and Helen Steele family attempts to round up as many children and grandchildren as can come and do a family vacation together.  This kind of togetherness helps to integrate inlaws and grandchildren into the Steele family system--at least we have not scared anyone away yet, though we might have come close this year.

We rented two cottages near the northern-most tip of Michigan's lower peninsula on Black Lake.  The trip to Black Lake included driving a lot of miles on two-lane roads through Wisconsin's and Michigan's rural areas.  That was a treat because of the beauty of those states.  We stayed the night in Green Bay, Wisconsin the first night.  We football fans could not stay the night without visiting Lambeau Field--it would be a sin not to visit.  None of our family are "Packer" fans, but we were inspired, none the less,  by the great tradition of the Packers.

The next highlight of the vacation was crossing the Mackinac bridge.  The Mackinac bridge is the third longest suspension bridge in the world.  Including approaches, the total length of the bridge is a bit more than 5 miles long.  The height of the roadway above the water at its highest point is 200 feet and, depending on wind strength, the bridge can sway as much as 35 feet.  So, to me, it was an adventure just to cross the Mackinac bridge.

The time we had together on vacation was priceless.  It will be a dynamic in the formation of the lives of our grandchildren.  Hopefully, the faith in Christ that is lived out in their grandparents and parents will take root and grow in their lives too.

On the way home we stayed the night in Elkhart, Indiana, very close to South Bend and Notre Dame University.  Though none of us are fans of the "Fighting Irish," the men among us could not not visit one of the revered sites of college football.  Our visit to the campus was inspiring and makes for a more favorable perspective of Notre Dame University and football.

Much more could be said about vacation, but we arrived safely home for some much-needed rest.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*If you are planning a vacation, the Mackinac area is a great place to go--it will be a "Moment in Time" that will not be forgotten.  We spent a day on Mackinac Island and it was an enjoyable historical experience.