Globe-Trotting

Recently our eldest son and his wife returned from a trip across the pond to England.  They visited with “our Katie” (granddaughter) while in England, and reunited with other friends.  They toured York, London,  and many other wonderful places, some of which we have seen and visited and some which we have not.  We enjoyed hearing all about their experiences when they were with us a few days ago.  (Paul and his wife also visited China a few years ago).

Our youngest son and his family are currently visiting in Australia—having survived that grueling 17-hour flight from Dallas, TX to Sidney.  They are having a grand adventure—an adventure we are enjoying vicariously as we follow them via Facebook posts. I always hoped to visit “down under.” That land of kangaroos, wombats, and platypuses has always fascinated me.  But I need not go now.  For it is even more exciting than actually being there myself to have my son and grandchildren experience it!  (Luke studied in London during college days and has traveled in Europe and Asia).

In another week or so, our daughter will take off across the pond for England where she will visit her daughter (our Katie). She will also travel to France to do some sightseeing there.  (Rachel has traveled previously to Spain and Scotland).

We had planned to join my two brothers, and one of my sisters (and their spouses) for a riverboat journey from the Swiss Alps to Paris in October.  Due to unfortunate circumstances, Cher and I have had to cancel.  But we will enjoy following this adventure on Facebook and living it vicariously.  One brother and his spouse have not been to Europe—but my other brother and sister (and their spouses) have traveled extensively and will show them the way.

I’m grateful that my siblings and my children are “Globe-trotting!” And I hope they continue to trot around this great wonderful world, meeting the people and seeing the sights. A world perspective is essential these days.  Our world is a world of geographical oneness, we are a global village, and we must strive to make it a spiritual world as well.  This is part of the American Dream described by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1961:  “We must all learn to live together as brothers and sisters, or we will all perish together as fools.  We must come to see that no individual can live alone; no nation can live alone.  We must all live together; we must all be concerned about each other.”  Globe-trotting, when done with the right perspective, helps us see this reality.