A little travel trivia for you based on an article by Livability (2016):
- The average American has visited 12 states.
- The top five visited states are Florida, California, Georgia, New York, and Nevada.
- California, Florida, and New York residents have visited fewer states than the typical American.
- 10% of Americans have never been to a state other than the one they live in.
- Americans take more than four leisure trips per year.
My Thanksgiving trip of 11 days, counting airports, took me to five states. Looking at these trivia points, it would be foolish of me not to see my life as privileged.
At some point on this trip, maybe on a plane or driving around Tucson, a thought occurred to me. The more I travel to new places the smaller I get. I’m pretty sure it was while I was in Tucson. I’m guessing because Tucson was unlike any other city I’ve visited.
Sure, it is American. Sure, it is modern. Sure, it is multicultural. Sure, it is a University town. Sure, it is picturesque. Sure, it is probably just about anything you’d want a city to be where you live or visit.
Something about Tucson, though, expanded my world and reminded me that the world is quite big. Therefore, I am quite small.
Now, someone might read that and the takeaway would be, “That sounds depressing.” Thankfully, with the worldview I have, my response is the opposite. I’m grateful for the reminder.
Too often my world revolves around me. I’m “bigger” than I really am. Is that because I’m American? Single? Male? White? Privileged? Floridian? Alabama fan? Probably. But it’s also because I’m human, in the lineage of Adam. I fall prey to wanting to be like God.
The smaller we children of Adam see ourselves in comparison to God the better our lives are. We allow the fullness of His presence; we give him more space to reveal he’s bigger. Bigger than us. Bigger than our stuff. Bigger than our circumstances. Bigger than our doubts. Bigger than our fears. Bigger.
On behalf of all the children of Adam, thank you, Tucson! You remind us God is Big!
John Gregory 
Good reminder John. Thanks for those thoughts. Have never been to Tucson – sounds like a very interesting place. I am glad that you got to take the trip and to run. We need time off to refresh. May the Lord continue to bless and lead you in the work He has given you. Will check with you a little later to see when I could take you to lunch. Praying for you and the work there. In His love, Pat Have a blessed Christmas!
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Merry Christmas, Pat!
LikeLike