Recently, Curtis and I had 48 hours on our calendar that were open. It’s our 15th year of marriage - typically we take a big vacation every five years - just the two of us, but this year we just couldn’t swing it in our schedule. So, we decided to do little overnight trips throughout the year. “The Wild West Whim” is what I refer to as our most recent get away. After church on Sunday, we flew out at 6pm from St. Louis to Las Vegas. We stayed in a hotel in Las Vegas, got up at 4:30am Monday and drove 2.5 hours to Zion National Park, Utah. It was a day full of exploring, lots of walking, being in awe, and enjoying undivided attention with each other (cell signal is pretty much non-existent within the park). After our day of adventure, we headed back to our hotel in Vegas, got up the next morning at 5am to fly out at 8am. When we hit the ground back in Missouri - we put our parent hats back on and went straight to our twins ballgame! Literally - we were gone 48 hours - 3pm Sunday to 3pm Tuesday. A Fast & Furious experience to say the least…but no regrets!! It was so fun. We even upgraded to a red convertible Mustang for our rental… driving through the scenic views of Nevada, Arizona, and Utah were amazing with the top off!As we hiked The Narrows in Zion National Park, I sat there observing people and thought about how much The Narrows is like life. However far you go in…you have to come out. - Just like life - we all come in the same way (birth) and we all leave the same way (death)In The Narrows, there are a lot of unknowns. The big canyon walls leave a mystery for what’s ahead. The river has deep holes that are completely unexpected. At some points, you can see all the way to the bottom while in some of the water you can’t see deep at all. - Just like life - we don’t always know what the future holds or what’s going to happen right around the corner or the next day. Each person approaches the hike differently - the cautious ones, the charge hard explorers, the fully prepared, the wing it and see- Just like life - there are people who are very cautious about every decision they make - while there’s others who charge hard through life, they are ok with making a mistake and redoing whatever they need to in order to fix it - some people have plans, checklists, and all the right tools before they step into an adventure, new job, or ministry - and there’s some… - well there’s those ones who just wing it. There’s the Helpers on the trail - the ones sharing sunscreen, offering water, holding out a helping hand, checking on others as they go forward- Just like life - always look for the helpers. They are out there. The helpers are bringing dinners after a baby is born, sitting with their grieving friends, offering to watch the kids so mom and dad can have a date night, paying it forward in the drive thru, lending a helping hand wherever they see a need. Be open to The Helpers. They mean well! All ages were represented - babies to elderly. - Just like life - how wonderful it is that we get to see new life and cherish the ones who have lived a lot of life! Yes, the babies were needy on the trail - they needed more shade, more sunscreen, more breaks, extra snacks, special holders - but they were along for the ride and part of the family making great memories!! The elderly took the trail slower. They took more time to look up, enjoy the view, appreciate what they had accomplished. Some let their loved ones go on ahead while they took a much needed break. But they didn’t quit! They kept moving. They kept going. Surrounded by their family - they enjoyed the journey! Some didn’t get the full experience - The Narrows is 17 Miles total (whatever you hike in - you must hike out). When the water got deep in the trail or the path became more rigorous, some chose to quit and stay where they were comfortable.- Just like life - Life is not always easy. When those curve balls come, sometimes it is easier just to quit, stay in your comfort zone, not move forward. But goodness - so much of what could’ve been is missed out on - the memories, the people you meet along the way, the learning how to overcome. Some left the trail early- Just like life - there’s people in life who you anticipate will be along with you for a lot longer, but God has other plans and they leave this earth a lot earlier than anticipated. The phrase “Live + Give Big” is on my heart! I want to life life to its fullest. ”We regret more of things in life we didn’t do than what we did do.” I don’t want to be careless but I also don’t want to say “I wish I would’ve” more than I say “I did!!” Part of living big is giving big!! I want to be there for my family, help my friends, serve without expectations…Living a life set apart, Rach Quote: YOLO - You Only Live OnceI know this has been giving a bad rap… but I think it can definitely have a positive perspective and meaning!! You only live once - so take the trip!You only live once - so give with an open hand! You only live once - so call that friend and apologize! You only live once - so make sure everyone you know knows Jesus! You only live once - so don’t get so mad!You only live once - so choose to be happy! You only live once - so eat the pie first! Scripture: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:24-25