I love vacations. A vacation is an opportunity to take a trip as a family knowing there will be uninterrupted time together. Once at the destination, it’s all rest, relaxation, and fun. But I also get a kick out of the journey before the trip. We start planning our next vacation after returning from the last, “Where do we want to go next year?” “What would we like to do and see?” “What could we discover there?”

Once we decide where we’re going, I get to work. The condo is booked, free tourism guides and pamphlets are ordered, the area is researched for hidden hot spots and must-see adventures, and a complete notebook is compiled. It’s a year-long journey sharing ideas and exploring options before the trip even happens.

Then the long-awaited time comes and we board the plane with the notebook securely stored in my carry-on. Yet even with all the planning, the trip takes a life all its own.

One such time was in Cancun. In an attempt to reach a local hot spot I discovered online, we wandered the heart of Cancun. Removed from the tourist areas, we searched for the land markings to discover our adventure. But after exhausting all options, we determined the locals hid it well and we headed back.

That day we didn’t reach our intended destination, but the journey we were on will be etched in my memory forever … the three of us dripping with sweat, running across busy intersections, giving piggy back rides, dodging buses, and laughing at our adventurous attempt — all just to find the unknown. That’s an adventure!

So often our focus is just on the end result or destination … deadlines, end of school year, get through the summer, graduation, complete the to-do list, make more money, complete a project, settle into a career …

But life is a series of journeys. Each includes their own treasure. At times, we may not reach our intended goals and other times it may take a while to get there, but we can still strive to seek the value in the unexpected along the way.

What does today hold? Is our objective just to get through the day barring major obstacles and untimely interruptions? What unexpected ventures will we discover along the way? Each moment in today’s journey has a purpose. Do we see the hidden importance?

Constant disruptions or breaks from the mundane?

Full-time chauffeur duties or extra time with our children?

Inconveniences or opportunities?

Time just waiting for answers or points in time to grow our faith?

What we make of today’s journey will influence how we see tomorrow’s trip.

 “Don’t miss the beautiful colors of the rainbow while you’re looking for the pot of gold at the end of it.” — Barbara Johnson