Take the Trip

Song lyrics to Don’t Blink by Chris Allen Wallin / Casey Michael Beathard

I have always loved the quote, “Life is short; buy the shoes.” In my younger days, I promise, I bought my fair share of shoes. When I see quotes like this these days, I laugh because this is like my excuse to buy something I probably shouldn’t.

In recent years, I have applied the buy the shoes philosophy to traveling. I had the stark realization that my children are growing up way too fast, and in a blink of an eye, they will be adults. I want to spend as much time as I can with my kids and expose them to as many different places and cultures as possible. Very rarely will I pass up an offer to take the trip.

Don’t blink
Just like that you’re six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you’re twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don’t blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your “better half”
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you’re praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don’t blink

I ran into a friend the other day whose husband suddenly passed away. I had seen her recent Facebook posts where she was traveling with her young children. I told my friend that I loved seeing how her family was traveling and how amazing her adventures were. My friend told me that she has decided to embrace life and experience travel with her children every chance they get now.

I was glued to my TV when it looked like he looked at me and said
“Best start putting first things first”
Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand
You can’t flip it over and start again
Take every breathe God gives you for what it’s worth

What does taking the trip really mean? Adventure, education, memories, relaxation? Sean and I definitely think that travel is an important part of gaining knowledge. We believe that people of all life experiences and socio-economic statuses can participate (read the 3 Misconceptions of Traveling). Traveling also brings treasured memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Sean, the kids, and I have people tell us that we are just travel people. I like to think that at the root of it, we are really more of I’m not going to miss this opportunity people.

So I’ve been tryin’ to slow it down
I’ve been tryin’ to take it in
In this here today, gone tomorrow world we’re livin’ in

Save your change, skip the Starbucks, cut the coupons, make your plans,
Grab your family

Board the plane, fuel the car, hop the train, hitch the RV,
TAKE THE TRIP

Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
Don’t blink

Why do you travel? We would love to hear from you. Please drop us a line in the comment section below!