Friday:
Bearing the Trials: Our Unshaken Journey to Mount Rushmore
The Beauty of the Open Road
There’s something uniquely special about road trips—the freedom of the open road, the excitement of discovering new places, and the unpredictable moments that make the journey unforgettable. Our trip to Mount Rushmore was a perfect example of that. What started as an exciting day of sightseeing turned into a valuable lesson in perseverance, faith, and the power of unity as a family. While we encountered a storm along the way, I know not every trip will be like ours. But that doesn't make the experience any less worth it.
The Calm Before the Storm
The day began with perfect weather—blue skies and a gentle breeze. We were all in great spirits, eager to see the iconic faces carved into the mountain. The kids were asking questions about the presidents and their significance, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement. It felt like a classic road trip—the kind of day we had been looking forward to for weeks.
However, as we got closer to Mount Rushmore, things took an unexpected turn. Dark clouds quickly rolled in, and before we knew it, heavy rain began to pour down. The road became slippery, visibility dropped, and the once calm drive turned into something much more challenging. What had been a relaxed, fun adventure turned into a tense, nerve-wracking journey. The kids, who had been so excited just moments before, grew quiet, and you could feel the unease filling the car.
Faith in the Face of Fear
As the storm intensified, the winding roads leading to Mount Rushmore became even more difficult to navigate. With steep drop-offs along the sides, I felt my anxiety rising. The kids, who had been buzzing with excitement, were now silently watching the storm through the windows. The once joyful chatter had turned into uneasy silence.
I knew at that moment we needed to do something to restore a sense of peace. So, we prayed together.
We didn’t hold hands or close our eyes, but we each took a moment to say a prayer aloud. Each of us asked for strength and protection, for the courage to press on despite the storm. There was something incredibly powerful about hearing each voice in the car, all of us coming together in that moment of need. It calmed our nerves and gave us the strength to keep moving forward.
As we prayed, our anxiety began to fade, and a sense of peace filled the car. The storm still raged outside, but inside, we felt a newfound calm, knowing that we were facing it together.
The Reward Beyond the Rain
Eventually, the rain eased, and we arrived at Mount Rushmore. The storm had driven away many visitors, so we were lucky enough to experience the monument with fewer crowds. The mist and rain made the scenery even more breathtaking and surreal. The flags of all 50 states lined the path leading toward the grand faces of the presidents.
The kids, who had been nervous earlier, were now in awe. They marveled at the monument, pointing to flags they recognized and learning about the presidents they had read about and watched in history lessons. The experience was incredible and deeply rewarding, both because of the challenges we overcame to get there and because of the beauty of what we found once we arrived.
A Lesson in Faith and Perseverance
While our journey to Mount Rushmore wasn’t exactly what we had expected, it turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences of our trip. It became a lesson in faith, perseverance, and the strength of family. We learned that life’s challenges, whether literal or metaphorical storms, can be faced with courage and faith. It also reminded us that, together, we can weather any storm.
I highly recommend visiting Mount Rushmore if you get the chance. It’s a stunning and historically rich monument that offers a powerful experience for families, regardless of what the weather might bring. While we encountered a storm, your journey to Mount Rushmore might be smooth and sunny—but either way, the experience will be incredible. Whether you find yourself in clear skies or misty rain, the monument’s awe-inspiring faces will leave you with a lasting sense of wonder.
And if you do find yourself facing a storm on the way, just know that it’s part of the adventure. Take a moment to pray or reflect, just as we did. That simple act can bring peace, and it’ll help you remember that sometimes, the journey is just as meaningful as the destination.
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