how many miles per gallon?

the other day i was listening to news radio and it mentioned how even with gas prices as high as they are, we aren't traveling less/buying less gas - so there's no motivation for gas companies to lower prices...and admittedly i'm guilty! in the past 2 weeks i've been to Indiana, Iowa, and New York! There's been plenty of time in the car to reflect/think/and listen to baseball games!

two weeks ago i went to Indiana. we had a soccer team reunion. I saw some of my friends that i hadn't seen in a LONG time, and our coach came from Canada. I hadn't seen him and his family since 1999. It was great to kick the ball around (although we're all obviously older and a bit rusty with our skills), and to hear what God has been up to in our lives, to get vanilla pepsi from Handy Andy, and eat Papa Johns Pizza. Sadly, our favorite ice cream place has gone out of business. It was good to just be with people who know me, and love me. I had this moment of knowing the love of God through my friend Jamie. it was good to be reminded of the depth of my friendships from college - of the beautiful gifts that God has given me in the form of those women! it is good to know and be known. To love and be loved - even across the years and miles!

Next was Iowa. It was a lot less flat than i expected, but i was just on the east side of the state. my friends Jeremy and Erin live out in Iowa, and i've been wanting to visit them pretty much since they left Spring Arbor 4 years ago...and it finally worked out! They have 3 boys now, so it was fun to know my friends as a mom and dad! My friends Eric and Joni Sloter are also out there, and i was able to worship at the church they pastor on Sunday. What a blessing that was. It was good to worship. It was good to be with friends, it was good to go on picnics with the boys, good to tell stories, and share what God is teaching me, and hear how God is stretching my friends. As funny as this sounds, my trip to Iowa was a good reminder of where i've been on this journey toward Jesus. I think sometimes in my never ending journey to know more of God, i can forget the journey that has brought me to here - and how good that journey has been. Being with the Martins reminded me of where i've been, and how God has revealed Himself in different ways at different times in my life.

After a quick turn around in MI, i was off to NY to visit some good friends who have become family. relaxing days, some nice runs, and drive-bys of my old houses. And again - so much love!

Time in the car has been good (although i could have done without the waits at the US/Canadian border traveling between here and New York!)...time with people has been good. No big revelations about my future - but its been good to just be with people who know me, and love me (and who i know and love!)