Road Trips- Reconnect, Refresh, Redeem

I love road trips. The uninterrupted family time, the open road, and new places…totally exciting. It’s also a terrific way for me to reconnect and grow closer to Scott and the boys.

The benefits of road trips with the family are many. Learning opportunities in academic skills such calculating mileage, determining expenses, using money, and reading road signs and travel books are just a few. Experiencing new cultures and new foods can be fun. Lessons in geography and history are fabulous. When driving from Point A to Point B, kids get to see the in-between, the typical fly-over zone. Most importantly, there’s time to talk, get to know one another better, and experience adventures together.

The Danielson family’s most recent road trip was to the Northwest Angle and Ontario, two weeks ago, to go fishing. I read a great book during the trip by Brad Mathias, Road Trip to Redemption. Brad captures the story of his family’s road trip to Canada and the Great West. He records the journey with brutal honesty a well as a humble spirit in how his family came to a point of total need for God and restoration. The book chronicles the Mathias family’s journey including their time in Banff, Glacier, and Yellowstone. The journal entries by Brad’s wife, Paige, and their three children add depth to the family’s story. Relationships grew during the Marthias’ time on the road. All were drawn to God, Creator and Redeemer, in these beautiful, natural places. Brad writes, “Beauty is a reflection of the glory of God, and from his created works we get a partial view of the majesty, power, and transformational splendor that is part of our Maker.” (p. 151-152) Road Trip to Redemption is a tribute to parents who take their God-given task of raising children seriously, loving unconditionally, and choosing to honor God, spouse, and family over self and the culture. In this case, a road trip adventure is exactly what this hurting family needed. God used the desire to follow Him to restore, reconcile, and redeem.

Road trips can be closer to home too! A simple day trip off the beaten path is good for the soul and the family. Unplug, relax, and enjoy each other’s company as you cruise the byways together. Use these tips for your next road trip!

• Take a journal for everyone to write about the adventure. Little ones can participate by drawing pictures of their favorite sights.
• Make stops frequently and allow everyone some say in where to pull over to check out the sights. Yes, the World Largest String Ball might not be your idea of interesting, but your child may think it’s totally cool!
• Get off the highway. Try the county roads through little towns instead of the interstate.
• Eat local. Skip franchise restaurants. Choose the main street café over fast food for lunch.
• Have “No Electronic Zones” when all the devices (phones, iPods, laptops, potable games, DVD players) are stowed, even Mom and Dad’s.
• Play car games. Download Road Trip Recreation for games to play with your family. The activities are to see the sights and engage with the family.
• Spend time with each child during the journey. Even though you’re traveling with the whole crew, make a point to connect with each child individually. Walk together, talk together, play together.
• Pray at the beginning of each day. Ask the Lord to bless and protect your family.
• Read the most recent issue of Marriage Magazine for additional tips for traveling with kids in our Parenting Prose column. Lori and I provide helpful ideas for all ages. (Use the code lori and becky to receive a 25% discount on subscriptions!)
• Bring along a copy of Road Trip to Redemption by Brad Mathias (Tyndale House Publishers, 2013) to see how God can use road trips to heal and restore.

Have fun building lasting memories with your family on the road. And don’t forget the camera!

P.S. The Danielson Family fishing trip was fabulous! Our guide, Scott Edman, of Edman’s Angling Adventures is not only an expert fisherman but a terrific shore lunch chef. And of course, we took the backroads home!

© 2013 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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Photo by Matt Duncan on Unsplash

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