CAUSE

I've mellowed over the years, but when our family used to go on vacation together, I was kind of like the trip Nazi.   

Let's use a trip to Washington, DC as our example.

First of all, the car ride -- We're taking the very shortest distance between Point A and Point B.  As close to a straight line as possible.  To me, car travel is all about high speed and six lane interstates, preferably toll free.  And if you want to get in a car with me for an extended ride, you'd better empty your overly small bladder of pretty much everything, if you get my drift.  We are not stopping under any circumstances unless we are coasting on gas fumes -- and then, at the One Stop, you have exactly 72.6 seconds to get out of the car, do your business, buy a candy bar, and be back in the car with your seat belt on, because we are TAKING OFF!  (Patience is my most rotten Fruit of the Spirit.)

Then, the hotel -- There is no need to spend three hours organizing the clothing in the hotel room dresser drawers.  And one does not need to regularly apply and re-apply make up in the hotel bathroom so one can walk into crowds of folks one has never met and is never going to meet again.  Abraham Lincoln's statue isn't going to notice your mascara is smudged.

We've come all this way for a cause.  The Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetery, the White House, and 127 monuments await.  The itinerary has been planned down to the hour, minute and second.  There is little discussion or debate.  On vacation, I don't like doing nothing if we're there to see something.  There is a reason we have come and it is our immediate destiny to fulfill that cause.

Because of all that, from time to time and for some inexplicable reason, there has been conflict on our trips - and sometimes the reason for the conflict is about the cause.  Because for one member of the family, the cause is about seeing everything on the Washington, DC Chamber of Commerce website.  (Ahem.  Major clearing of throat.)

But for another, the cause is to relax.
For still another, the cause is trying more restaurants than we have days.
For another, it is applying and re-applying mascara.
And for another, the cause is that this is supposed to be a week without causes.

Everyone needs a cause.  Why are we doing what we're doing?  Because without a unified cause or with an unsatisfying cause, the community will deteriorate.

And we must never under any circumstances allow that to happen.

And be blessed.