The first social group knows the route, the distance, and the time required. They have programmed in the sites, national parks, and friends they will meet along the way. They know where the Cracker Barrels are, and they have packed picnic lunches that include beef jerky, chips, and strawberry licorice. Their favorite sodas and apples are packed into Igloo coolers. Their pillows and blankets smell like a fresh spring day. Before these plans were made, they were lethargic and complacent. But, now within hours of launch, all of their senses are awakened. They can smell the wide-open spaces and can't wait to listen to their long playlist, perhaps rhythmically synched to play particular songs that will intersect with specific places. They plan on rolling down the windows and singing loudly all the day long. Llamas in the road, falling rocks, or twisters just add to the fun. It's two weeks of a free-for-all but with a calculated destination in mind.
The second classification of road-trippers are those who decide and just go ahead. They often surprise themselves! In deed, their entire trip is a complete surprise. They stumble upon places, history, and landmarks. This population is equally amusing and entertaining; albeit, in a different fashion. Their only decision is whether or not they will go north, south, east or west. After that, they drive. Maybe their back seat will carry their children with DVD players and headphones, their parents, or dear, like-minded friends. Everyone is up for anything except rolling down the windows and singing loudly. In fact, radio and conversation sustain, pacify, and occupy them. Their hotels include breakfast and lunch and dinner are definitely part of this road trip. Two weeks of " Turn around. You missed the Williamsburg exit." Or, "Didn't we want to see Mount Rushmore? Go back." Or, "You know, my aunt used to live here. We should drop in and see her." They astonish themselves. Wherever they end up is better than the last place. Their compass may have pointed north when they started, but they are going south by the fourth day. Perhaps they will experience a conclusion; however, for this group, is there really a conclusion? 
Actually, many people in our culture today journey toward eternity with road-trip behaviors: with intentional plans or with just plain luck. Since Christ died on the cross, generations have either settled it up front and lived intentionally with a calculated destination in mind or have lived with random order and hope that next will be better than now. Humorously, observers in both cars cross-analyze the touring conduct of one other. Those who have settled it want everyone to roll down their windows and sing loudly through life. Those who wonder whether or not there is a conclusion, often have difficulty with all the loud singers. What happens so often in life is that the road trippers travel side by side down the same highway. They pass each other, help to change a flat tire or give directions to Mount Rushmore. When we embark on our road trips, we have to give each other time and space. We need to peer into the windows of each others' cars more often...Since we love to travel, we have to ask, "Which car are you in?"
Keep Looking Up! And, thank you for reading our blog.
J:m and L:nda
