“Carrol Sue, I don’t care where you want to go! I am comfortable right here and this is where I am staying! You can trudge up and down the hills and do whatever you want! I will be here!”

Twenty-five years have passed and I can still hear Mom’s voice! When she used my full name, I knew I was in for it! This was not the journey we had planned! I was crushed. Living out of state for a few years left me unaware of the toll time had taken on my sweet momma.

From the late sixties, Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO had been our go-to place. Often joined by Cousin Penny (Trudi) and Aunt Josie, we spent days scouring those hills, enjoying the rides, the shows, and the shopping, smells, and the foods!

Daughter Laura and I carried on the tradition as often as we could. However, three years had passed since our last Branson trip.

I barely keep things going at home without my precious hubby’s help. In other words, I knew there was no way I could navigate those Ozark hills or tackle the malls and shows.

Here is where the Lord took over. Not wanting a rerun of my mother/daughter experience, we discussed the trip before leaving home. I had to admit honestly to her what I could and could not do; she told me of her most important desires for the trip. We scheduled a motel a few miles from Silver Dollar City so that, should I wear out, Laura could bring me to the motel and then go back and finish her day. (Thankfully that didn’t have to happen!)

Learn to celebrate every day by pondering these scriptures:  https://www.openbible.info/topics/celebrate

The agenda for two days was well planned. We arrived at  Silver Dollar City early so Laura could do the Marvel cave tour just inside the gate while I made my way through the gift shop and into the park itself. Perfect!

We had the best time. I spent hours getting acquainted with people from all over our country. Often I played photographer for families and friends so they all could be in the pictures. Such fun! At Silver Dollar City, we met together to watch the tree lighting from the warm, cozy ice cream shop. Did I have a sizable portion of yummy ice cream? Some things are better off not told.

The next day I introduced Laura to Mel’s Diner with the singing waiters, and the adjoining Village Shoppes! Oh, mercy me! As she shopped after lunch, I sat on cozy benches outside the diner chatting with folks, handing out little Bibles to kiddos, and Scripture candy to adults. Played photographer often. Laura would bring me a goody now and again or a cup of tea and check on me.

The next stop was The Landing: Paula Deens, and more shops-of course! A stop at Springfield Sam’s Club for berries and fruit was a must before enjoying another full meal together by the cozy fireplace at Cracker Barrel! What a schedule!

Here’s the truth of the matter–your take-home advice from this blog. When you are scheduled to go with another person or group, admit honestly about your limitations upfront. Earlier I had been so wrapped up in old good times with Momma, I failed to think of the years that had passed. Momma and I did quickly get past that first bump in the road and had a fabulous vacation.

And Laura and I thoroughly enjoyed our days together. Nothing was left undone, and each had a fantastic time! I was with her at every stop. Did I climb the hills, tour the cave, shop all those stores? Absolutely not! But, we planned ahead and gave each other space as needed!

As we begin this new year, my prayer for each of you (and myself) is that we are honest and face our limitations boldly, adjusting our lives accordingly. Celebrate what you can do. Learn to enjoy life and those around you in a new way. Focus on the positive; trust God to lead. Remember, relationships are more important than what we can or cannot do.

Hugs and prayers for a Christ-filled 2022,