The Journey of Conversations: Finding Joy in the Drive
How a Golf Road Trip with My Son Changed My Perspective on Driving
I have always hated driving. The mere thought of sitting in my car for hours to reach a destination drives me up the wall. My patience is limited when it comes to long drives. However, as I reflect on a memorable road trip with my son two years ago, I realize that the journey itself can be as rewarding as the destination.
In July, my son and I embarked on a week-long golf trip, traveling through various cities to play our favorite sport. Our adventure began in Las Vegas, Nevada, where we spent the night before hitting the golf course the next morning. From there, we traveled to Mesquite, Nevada, for another night and day of golf. Our journey continued to St. George, Utah, and then back to Flagstaff, Arizona, where we took a day off.
During our day off, I shared stories with my son about my childhood summers spent with my grandfather in Cottonwood, Arizona. We visited my grandparents' old house, which brought my stories to life for my son. The trip concluded in Wickenburg, Arizona, with one last round of golf before returning to our river house in Parker, Arizona.
The most surprising aspect of this trip was that the driving, which I usually despise, became the highlight. The long hours on the road provided the perfect opportunity for deep conversations with my son. One memorable discussion was about religion. As we drove through a city and stopped at a traffic light, my son asked if he could have a Bible. Coincidentally, I was looking at a bookstore sign across the street at that very moment. It felt like a sign from above, and I couldn't help but laugh at the timing.
We spent an hour in the bookstore, exploring different Bibles. My son asked basic questions about translations and the significance of the numbers next to the words. I laid out three Bibles with different translations, allowing him to choose the one he connected with the most. Once he made his choice, we continued our trip, spending two more hours discussing the Bible and how to read it.
This road trip taught me that the one thing I hate the most—driving—can lead to the most cherished moments. The conversations I had with my son during those long drives were invaluable. They transformed my perspective on driving, showing me that the journey can be just as meaningful as the destination.
For a deeper exploration of this topic, check out the podcast where the hosts will dive into this article.