Beef Country lay far beyond the horizon behind us, but as we progressed through the Crossroads of America, hamburger dreams filled our heads. We thought it was just a craving for food. But it was more than that. It was much like the hunger of the hometown fans who crowded the bar under the massive television screen in the spacious hotel lobby, where we ate a late dinner.
We arrived at the Indianapolis Marriott East for our concluding night of vacation. Too tired to find a restaurant, we settled for the meager menu offered by the hotel itself. Only one other family made the same choice. For them, food was secondary. They, like the dozens of others, had their eyes glued to the TV. It was the last game of the NBA Finals. The hometown fans watched their beloved Indiana Pacers lose to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It was a bitter loss. The Pacers, after winning three ABA titles in the early 1970s, have yet to win an NBA Finals title. In a way, Indiana fans have a hunger similar to that of Buffalo Bills fans. Like the Pacers, the Bills remain winless in Super Bowls, though they did win back-to-back AFL championships.
We’ve seen this same regional pride across America. In Beef Country, you might call it Continue Reading “From Beef Country To Hamburger Dreams”
Fear and Wonder of Mile-High Spacious Skies
Still, the Centennial State’s atmosphere, not the temperature, dominated our thoughts. It felt bigger. And wider. As if it had a life of its own. You could almost hear it breathe. Beneath these mile-high, spacious skies, you couldn’t help but believe God’s hand seemed closer.
You see this immediately. Once you’ve escaped Denver’s urban grasp, outcroppings of red rock emerge from the earth—as if even the stones themselves strained to reach heaven. Yesterday, we left the grand mountainous cathedral of the Tetons. Today, we would ascend a far different earthly temple to the roof of America. We’re going from geological reverence to spiritual heights.
This wouldn’t be merely a simple drive-by. We’d leave the Expedition’s wheels in various parking lots for the bulk of the day. Our feet would bring us up close and personal with the Colorado sky. And on this stroll, fear and wonder walked hand in hand. Which will win this epic battle?Continue Reading “Fear and Wonder of Mile-High Spacious Skies”