Articles
Becoming Refreshed
At the end of this past June, Jody and I took a week's vacation. Admittedly, I do not vacation well. I mean, I do not take time off very much. However, when I do it is so refreshing to just get away and let my mind clear out. I tend to be a grinder. I just stay at my work and grind it out. Further, Jody does not do nothing well. She can’t stand to sit still for more than 2 seconds. So, we both tend to just keep going without any break.
Last year I was in a gospel meeting in Kingsport, Tennessee. While there I found out the Biltmore, built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, was just an hour and half away. Also, that Mount Airy, Tennessee, the home town of Andy Griffith was just about an hour away. I could not believe I was that close. So when we began to talk about taking a vacation we decided to go visit these two places. Along the way, we also decided to visit the replica of Noah’s Ark in Williamstown, Kentucky. Throw in Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry and a visit to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, and we had a great vacation.
Now, it is no secret that I love Texas. I affectionately call this great state, “The Promised Land.” I do not understand why anyone would want to live anywhere else than in Texas. Well, I can’t believe I am about to say this. After seeing the Smokey Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains along with the beauty of Tennessee and Kentucky, I can understand why people live there. It was beautiful. The Blue Ridge Parkway was breathtaking. Standing on the back of the Biltmore and overlooking hundreds of acres of forest was awe-inspiring. Maybe the United States is “The Promised Land” and Texas is just a part of that. I can’t believe I said that.
God’s artistic hand is seen everywhere. The beauty of what He created and how men have shaped His creation is worthy of simply saying, “Praise God!” The gardens at the Biltmore were so beautiful. God’s Creation was on display for all to see His wonderful work.
Also, I was just astonished how God has created man with such genius. To see a replica of Noah’s Ark was mesmerizing. Okay, the builder admits he took some liberties. But, if the ark is anything, just even an eye lash, close to what Noah built, God is the greatest engineer ever and Noah was no bumbling idiot. We have no idea of what the inside of the real Ark was like, but this at least gives us an idea of what daily life might have been. Noah and his family were not simply enjoying a cruise. They were working hard, every day.
Finally, it was so refreshing to break away from the daily grind. It helps renew the spirit and mind. Also, make us appreciate home.
Rickie
