WARNING: Major Blog Updates Ahead

Part One:

Would you believe I have been imagining/planning writing this post for over SIX months?! The day this happened, I knew exactly what to do with the analogy. Don’t set your sights too high; but here goes.

This past summer we only made it on one over night camping trip. While we spent hours and hours in the beautiful nearby mountains, only once did we actually spend the night. This was on our annual ward camp out. You know, that camping trip that only lasts 12 hours? Right. That one.

So when Peter wanted to take our Yakima Skybox, for our 12 hour camping trip – I simply refused. Yes, I know. We like to be comfy. And to have all the comforts of home, takes A LOT of stuff. But surely, SURELY, we could get by just shoving things into the car. We certainly did NOT need the skybox.

Apparently. We did.

So with my refusal to help, The Scout Master (Peter) was determined to put the box on himself. He wasn’t even mad that I wouldn’t help. He just wanted it done –and did it. (my kind of scenario) SO, with the car packed to the rim, and the skybox loaded, we headed up Provo Canyon, making way for our destination to edge of the Uintahs. (I have no idea how to spell that, but, like maybe an hour and half or so.)

It was just the right weather, nothing too hot. Peter was in flip flops, and we were just settling into the drive, 25 minutes or so. When we heard a very loud crunch, some flapping, and a lot of things flying behind us.

Yep.

You got it.

Someone forgot to fully bolt down the racks that the box was attached to – to the roof of the car. The box had caught some wind under it, then the front end flipped off the side of the car, and then burst open. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it was a sight to see. Camping chairs, they were a-flyin’.

All of our things were scattered over the freeway and the side of the road. This was a busy Friday evening, and I know that the hand of the Lord was involved in everyone’s safety. There were probably six cars right behind us. Could you imagine a camping chair crashing through the window of the car behind us?! It makes me sick to think about. But needless to say, the cars were able to swerve out of the way and everyone was safe.

Out we go to assess the damage. Which really wasn’t bad. Sleeping bags, chairs, duffle bags, etc – strewn trough the grass hopper infested side of the road. After our hearts quit racing – we picked up our stuff, said a prayer of thanks, and headed on our way.

Eleven and a half hours, and counting…

Of course I said to Peter – “I guess we shouldn’t have taken the skybox huh?” Then I said to myself, like usual “no one ever listens to me…” Just kidding. I wasn’t mad. It was an honest mistake.

So why do I tell you this story? I mean, it was funny. After the matter. But this is a long story, so get on to the point already!

I realized that night as I was rethinking the events of the day, and not sleeping - because who sleeps with six people in a tent. Including, and mostly because of, an 18 month old? I realized that seeing that box ripped open and the contents thrown all over the road seemed very familiar do me. A little too familiar.

Like the happenings of my life this year, too familiar.