My husband and I celebrated our 20th anniversary in May. We have only had one vacation during this time and he decided to surprise me with a road trip. He knew that I had several places to visit on my bucket list and was set to check them off.
We went through Arkansas and on to Memphis. We are both Elvis fans, so Graceland topped the list. It was amazing to see where he worked and lived. The memorabilia brought back many memories of this great musician who left us much too soon.
Of course, the next stop was Tupelo, Ms, the birthplace of Elvis. To see that he came from humble beginnings, but given such a gift of song from the Lord. His faith and love of gospel music was the start and a big part of his career. But gone too soon from this earth, but never our hearts.
I had never placed my feet in the ocean. We went to the gulf and I was able to do so. The beauty of the water, the sun shining overhead. The feel of the white sand on my feet, and finding seashells that had washed up. Knowing that this was all created by God filled my heart.
We drove through New Orleans, but didn’t stop. We observed the people, heard the musicians performing on the street, and seeing the beautiful works of art adorning the streets. Again, the talents of these people that was given to them by God was inspiring.
Montgomery, Alabama was our next stop. I have always been a fan of Hank Williams, Sr. He died the same day that I was born, January 1, 1953. He came from a dirt poor family. Suffered from medical conditions, as well as addictions. He was a Christian, and many of his songs gospel. Blessed with the gifts of writing music and singing, sharing his God given gifts. He, too, was taken much too soon,
Nashville was our next destination. The home of country music. Standing on the same ground where many of the great artists have stood was eye opening.
On the way home we drove through Paducah, Kentucky. We saw the Ohio river flowing past us. We went to the National Quilt Museum and took pictures outside.
We saw the beautiful hills, trees and waterways created by God. We met gracious, friendly people along the way. Of course, we ate lots of great food. I know that these people shared the gifts with us, no matter what it was. I saw God in nature and the faces of those lovely people.
Now, the corona virus is still raging. Hurricanes and tornadoes ravaging the areas that we visited. They are no longer the way we saw them. I believe God had the plan for us to go on vacation when we did. He wanted us to see the goodness and beauty of these people. We crossed paths and shared stories. I’m helpless and thankful for these people. I pray that they will unite and become empowered to rise again. Thank you God for your perfect timing to enable me to cross off special people and places from my bucket list. Please bless them and watch over them. And I thank God, for my husband who made a point to see these beautiful people and places.
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