Working from home, homeschooling, helping the boys build a small business at home, keeping up with housework… well it all requires a lot of time at home. No complaints! I’m very thankful for our home. We are blessed with wonderful neighbors …(who have stopped what they are doing to herd our animals, put our pigs back in the pen, help a lamb be born). Honestly, I even love our midwest view - we can see the sunrise behind our house, and we have a beautiful spot on our porch to watch the sunset. But for me to unplug and feel like I can step away from the responsibilities of every day house needs and work, for me it’s best to take a trip. If I am physically unable to see the mess, sit at the computer to edit, hear the dryer buzzer go off, or witness the pile of bowls in our sink because maybe we’ve had cereal for one too many meals beyond breakfast…then I am so much more relaxed and able to enjoy time off. Mother’s Day and our wedding anniversary usually land pretty close to one another on the calendar. Fortunately, I married a man who loves to take exploring trips, too. Over the weekend, we took off and headed two hours northeast of our farm. We went to Turkey Run State Park for the day. The weather was perfect - mid 60s and sunny! The park wasn’t very crowded… I’m definitely guilty of liking my space. The trails were so well maintained and ranged from very easy to very rugged. If you’re not familiar with Turkey Run State Park in Indiana, as you walk to the part of the park with all the trails, you first have to cross over a swinging bridge that goes over the river. At the bottom of the steps there are signs posted all over - “Please Use Caution”, “Please do not jump on bridge”, “No Wading”, “No Swimming”, “Drownings have occurred”, “Do Not Climb on rocks under the bridge” - and so forth. Our son, Brant, stands there for a minute, reads all of the signs, then turns to Curtis and says, “Dad, you know what all these signs say? (pause) No. Fun. Here! is allowed.” Goodness, I couldn’t help but crack up. To him (and let’s be honest…his father) all he could see was everything he couldn’t do or was prohibited from doing. From my perspective, I was appreciative of all the warnings, the signs, the heads, and having expectations. I didn’t perceive the signs and holding me back from having a good time but just setting me up for success. While on the other hand, travelers with me felt totally restricted and left with few options of freedom. Another example of completely different perspectives and thoughts… As we were walking, we came across a trail that “Y”ed … (sorry not sure how to type that) - let’s go with a “fork in the road”. One path had a barricade “No Access. Hikers Not Allowed Beyond This Point” as opposed to the other trail that was wide open and no signs at all. For me, it was a very easy decision - honestly - no thought put into it at all to go down the path not blocked. On the other hand, Curtis’ mind started cranking and he asked out loud, “What do you think it is that they don’t want us to see down that path? I think we should check it out!” Wait..what?? No. The sign is clear. The expectations are set. We have an easy choice here is what I’m completely thinking. Isn’t it funny how two people can read the same text but get a totally different message?? I think this is so common in life. I really think people can read the same text, hear the same story, be given the same choices but have completely different view points and perspectives of the exact same scenario. As a rule follower, it has been so hard for me over the years to understand other people’s view points or those who push the boundaries. I’m not opposed at all to thinking outside of the box…but then again, am I? Taking personality tests, studying the enneagram, and reading books like “The 5 Love Languages” has helped transform my thinking and allow space for grace and other people’s view points. Now…I’ve not always been like this…but truly now, I like to hear other people’s perspectives. I love to hear their thought process and their reasoning for thinking, believing or acting a certain way. I don’t like to analyze it, criticize, or even change it for that matter (unless it’s a faith / salvation issue… too precious of a topic and too short of time span to not give my side). I appreciate the back story or “the rest of the story”. I enjoy hearing failures, triumphs, victories, losses, battles, dreams, plans, ideas… all of those form fresh perspectives and view points. So the next time you come to a fork in the road, and your traveling buddy (spouse, child, friend, co-worker, etc) has a completely different outlook on the same situation right in front of you, I want to encourage you to step back, ask questions, and be willing to be open minded to their perspective. It’s not always easy. You’re not always going to get the last word in. But I really think you’ll find a new appreciation for the people around you, their stories, and the uniqueness of each of us that God has planted in us. Oh… and take the trip. Get out of the house. Switch up your environment. Go for the run. Swing in the hammock. Be still. Take the time to hit reset. It’s worth it! Living a life set apart, Rach Scripture: Romans 12:2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Quote: “If you change the way you look at the things the things you look at change.” - Dr. Wayne Dyer

Homeschool State Park Family