Planning a vacation with online data, maps and photos makes
us think we are in control of it. Better to let go of that. When one takes
stock of the trip afterwards, it is the unexpected, unplanned moments that
delight, and often the things that go wrong that provide the best stories.
Take weather—a
big deal on a camping trip. It is a test of one’s flexibility and ingenuity
when the weather is less than ideal. A thunderstorm is inconvenient at home,
but very difficult to ignore in a tent.
The open,
unwalled space of a campground makes neighbors of people from Kentucky to
Connecticut to Scotland. They may be thru-hikers headed for Maine on the
Appalachian Trail, staying off-trail to use showers and laundry. This year we
got the chance to do some trail magic for two of them. (Trail magic is an unexpected gift of food or drink bestowed on a thru-hiker.)
On Sunday we
were amused to find ourselves at singing practice at the church we attended.
The assembly was learning the last piece of the Heritage Mass from Breaking Bread. We felt right at home.
Sr. Christa Kreinbrink
I agree! Preparing a holiday with on the internet information, charts and images creates us think we are in management of it. Better to let go of that.
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