Spreading My Wings . . Under God's Wings

A year and a half ago, I set out on my first solo RV trip. I’ve camped/RV’d before. I wasn’t worried about that part of it. It was the open road, safety, aloneness. I prepared myself as best I could through research and the right supplies. I had a “loosy-goosy” plan -Thanksgiving in Texas with my oldest, and Christmas with my youngest’s new little family and his in-laws in North Dakota. People to see along the way, and National Parks to visit. But how would these experiences be….alone?

I really wanted to camp in Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a dark sky sanctuary, a place with little or no ambient light. The skies are incredible. Most of the park campgrounds are reservation only, but I found one that was first come/first serve. I got to it late and circled, and circled. I couldn’t quite tell if this one site was taken or not. I finally just went for it. As I was backing in, a couple came around the rocks and told me it was open and even guided me as I backed in. We chatted for a bit. I felt such relief. God had provided me the boldness to just go for it and the camping neighbors to assist and help me feel safe.

My next experience was near Carlsbad Caverns in Texas. The nearest place to camp is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property. I pulled in and it was just this huge fenced gravel parking lot. The only amenity was a garbage can. I parked next to the fence behind a camper van. There I met the couple in the van, who also had a dog. (I had my three with me.)

The next morning as my dogs were stretching their legs, I chatted with the gal who was there by herself. Her husband had gone hiking all day. She also wanted to go to Carlsbad Caverns. Our dilemma? They don’t allow you to keep your pets in the car. Our solution? We took turns! We parked next to each other, leaving our vehicles unlocked and watched over the other’s pet(s) while the other toured. We were able to share the experience afterwards. I still keep in touch with this gal. I wasn’t going to get to see the caverns at all. God provided a friend.

Finally, I decided to go to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. I wanted to experience “some” sort of the spirit of Christmas feeling and hoped to pick up some unique gifts at their artisan stands. This was the first place real sadness crept in at being alone. My one comfort was the openness of the area with regards to Jesus. I encountered the Christmas Story about four different times.

My last experience in Branson was to ride the train that takes you through the woods and lights. I love Christmas lights. There was a long line. I was approached by a gentleman who gave me a “fast pass” ticket. The only problem? It was for four people. I turned to the group behind me and asked how many were in their group. Three! I asked if I could join their family for the evening and do the train together. Yes! We visited the whole time. They were so impressed I was a solo RVer. They even gave me their number in Kansas City in case I needed a contact there. Once again, God filled me with boldness and brought me friends.

Of course, there are many other stories of the trip. These are some of the stand-out moments when I was so aware of God spreading His wings over me as I spread my own.

Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.

-Psalm 63:7 (NIV)