On our summer road trip, my daughter, sitting in the back seat, blurted out, “If I was the decision maker, all of these billboards we are passing would have cats on them.” 

Most billboards advertise hotels, food, area attractions, and gas. When I asked my car full of kids which sign stood out the most, they had mixed reviews. One favorite read: “Hey, I’m working here!” Yet, this billboard was merely advertising its availability.

What billboard would make me, a mom toting a ton of kids, want to stop in my tracks? One that promises healthy food, cheap gas, and really clean rest stops, preferably with mouth-wash.

We did drive off the beaten path, and took a hike up the Dragon’s Tooth trail in Roanoke, VA.  It was eight in the morning, the rocks were very steep, and I reminded my brood that out of everyone in the country, we were the only people in this spot at that chosen moment. We stood at the top of the mountain and watched the fog dissipate, as the sun peeked through the clouds. It was breathtaking.

In that moment, I remembered Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” My attempt to make this memory special was thwarted by a sarcastic remark from my youngest who proclaimed: “There is a reason the lines are so long at Disney, Mom.”

So much for trying to show my kids America. 🙂

~Beth Bacall