Summary: Mindy sniffed. "I told all my friends I was going to see the Niagara Falls and Canada this summer," she whined, "and now Dad . . ." "Dad can't help it that we had to change our summer plans," interrupted twelve-year-old Jeff. "You know one of the guys at work broke a leg, and that's why Dad can't be off now. He said he was sorry." "I think we have two choices here," said Mom. "We can feel sorry for ourselves and mope around all summer, or we can be thankful for the things we are able to do. We can have a celebration summer with mini vacation outings." Mindy frowned. "What would we celebrate?" she asked. "How about good health and being together--and the job God has given Dad?" suggested Mom. "How about celebrating our ability to go places and do fun things?" "But . . . how would we celebrate things like that?" asked Mindy. "One way might be to spend time at the lake and in the woods and enjoy the beauty of God's creation around us," Mom replied. "Can we do some of the special things we always say we want to do someday?" asked Jeff. "I'd sure like to go to the steam engine show." "We'll plan to do that,"Mom promised. "How about the museum, too, and the candy factory?" asked Mindy, starting to feel a little excited at the idea. Mom nodded. "Sounds good," she agreed. "And let's go camping at that huge pond on Mr. Bixby's farm," Jeff suggested. "He invited us to do that sometime. We could go on a weekend so Dad can come, too." "And let's take Grandpa James with us," Mindy added. "He'd love it. He knows a lot about camping, and he offered to teach us." Mom smiled. "That's a splendid idea. Why don't we include a friend or two on each of our outings? Let's share with others the good times God gives us." "All right!" Jeff grinned broadly. "This sounds like lots more fun than riding day after day in the car," he decided. "And this year it won't be just a two-week vacation," said Mindy as she went to find a calendar. "It will last all summer long!" How About You? Is your family unable to take a big vacation trip this year? Then why not ask your parents if you can take mini-trips? Even if that doesn't work out, you can have good times in your own neighborhood. Open your eyes. Enjoy the things God has placed around you. And in your planning, don't forget to include someone who may be lonely. Most of all, thank God for all the good things--the many benefits--He provides for you to enjoy each day. Today's Key Verse: Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits. (Psalm 68:19) Today's Key Thought: Enjoy the blessings all around you
