And away we go again....

I guess I really should be sleeping right now, but it's always hard to do on this particular evening. I don't have to be up for about 6 hours, so I guess that's not so bad, but a long drive awaits. Yup... it's Spring Break... and its time to drive to Fernie again.
As I was pacing around my apartment this evening, running through every detail I might have forgotten in my head, I suddenly flew back in time about 5 years and could almost hear the phone ringing in my head. I suppose I should offer an explanation before you assume that I have finally crossed over that fine line between eccentricity and insanity.
The year was 2003, and it was the night of our very first Cedarwood snowboard trip. Having never done anything like this before, I was obviously quite nervous about what lay ahead the next morning; but I was determined to sleep. It was probably around 9ish that the first phone call came- some very excited boys who explained to me that they planned to call me every hour until we left. Of course I jokingly but firmly explained to them that this was a bad idea (not quite thinking that they were serious), but alas at 10pm the second call came. I was less than happy. At 11pm when the call came I must admit that I became a little bit angry- I don't remember quite what I said, but needless to say there was no call at midnight.
And so it went- we drove across this great country in two large vans- we blew a tire in Medicine Hat- we terrorized a number of fast food restaurants- and we had the best vacation of our lives. In the years since, we've blown 1 more tire, dropped a muffler, and blown the engine on a minivan; and we've built memories that will last forever.
A new adventure awaits a few hours from now, and as much as I hope to make it there and back swiftly and without incident, I am also thankful to our God who has so lovingly orchestrated our previous setbacks into a joyous memory.

Just as a side note- I was driving home from coffee with a good friend yesterday when I noticed the Hummer driving in front of me and the writing on the window. "Are you satisfied with your lifestyle? Call [number]" Obviously I get the point- I could not possibly be satisfied with my Kia Spectra, my apartment, my debt load, any of that after seeing someone driving a beautiful Hummer- and I guess the assumption would be that I would call to see how I could become like this person and get to drive Hummer too (even though I'm pretty sure they can't afford it and are using it purely to take advantage of some obscure tax loophole that allows them to claim it as an advertising expense, even though that won't at all make the full payments.....but I digress)
When I read the question though, my answer was immediately yes. Yes I am satisfied. I love my life, and I know that God has blessed me incredibly. You see.... as much as I am as bad as anyone for being drawn to material goods and all that stuff, deep inside I know its all garbage. What really matters, more than anything else, is love. Love for God and love for those around me, and the love I experience in return. Hmmm... maybe I should put some writing on the window of my car.....