The Basement of Time

After what has been a really crazy week with an election on Tuesday that saw yes a victory in both popular vote and electoral college by one party. Those from the other side are distraught. This morning at Westside Christian church they preached on peacemakers.

I find that right now this is greatly needed.

We will not all agree and certainly I do not necessarily agree with all of the past and future decisions to be made by the executive office, however, as an American, I find that sticking together is always the best choice. When emotions rule we make poor choices, so let’s stand together as a nation and as a people. Let us stand up to power when it’s in the wrong and voice our support for the weak. In kindness, we can come together in love. We can show each other what it means to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

For my brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter your denomination. It is our role to be the peacemakers. Not to shout from the rooftops when our particular candidate wins, nor to go into great despair when they lose, but find the middle way. As Wesley wrote to choose the middle way, or the via media, and help those without a voice no matter their political ideology.

One of my friends, who is very much in one party, told the story of his son, who spoke up for people on both sides of the spectrum in opposition to his friends. This is a message to us all.

Let us always be willing to speak truth to power, and when we see that our leaders from our party do things that they should not do, let us never be silent. We must always remain vigilant that all American citizens have inalienable rights, and that it’s all of our duty to protect them.

Travel brings out the best and the worst in

people. Like life, choose your companions

carefully and be cool!

So many times when we see a good deal on a flight or have the opportunity to go somewhere, we say yes without thinking about what all goes into a successful trip. We have made that mistake before too!

We are the Smiths (no, really). There are now four of us, and we like to travel! Anything from a weekend jaunt to the big city, or the deep woods to flying around the world. Kalith and Abie have traveled quite a bit, but nothing quite compares to the great times and challenging moments of traveling with family. Join us on the journey as we lay out the way to think about, plan, execute and return home feeling good. If you’ve had bad experiences or no experiences with travel in the past, we are here to help! Reach out with questions and lets start a conversation about traveling well!