Plan carefully, and plan to succeed. Do the workouts, study the maps, organize the gear. Ask God to guide your planning, and take advice from experts. Proverbs 15:22 – “Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.”
Children, Labrador retrievers, and water are better together.
Enjoy the view, even if you’re soaking wet. Besides, that’s what washing machines are for, so get muddy and walk in the river, feel the mud, and soak up the rain.
Sometimes coming alongside someone is the best encouragement. Matthew 5:41 – “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” Walking a mile with someone can be more helpful than walking a mile in their shoes.
God is the best artist! Enjoy His artwork, and thank Him for letting you experience it.
You don’t have to see a Wonder of the World destination to make amazing memories. Remember in Pixar’s Up when Russell tells Mr. Fredricksen that counting red and blue cars with his dad after Junior Wilderness Explorer meetings was one of his best memories? People, not places, matter more. Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Also, the turquoise school bus-converted food truck called Magnolia’s makes some delish tacos.
Dirt reduces depression, has antibiotics, and is great for scrubbing backpacking dishes clean (just go easy on cookware with non-stick coating).
Finally, for the love of common sense, don’t feed the squirrels in Zion National Park! Four-year-old kids shouldn’t have to shoo them away with sticks.
Your turn. Share life lessons that you’ve learned from your adventures.
M Liz Boyle 
Few things are worse than a pushy squirrel. 😉
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