Travels of late have taken us from the glories of God’s creation in the Smokies to the excesses of mankind in Las Vegas. Unavoidable thoughts on the contrasts and similarities… 
Both places: lots of walking, warm days and chilly nights, great food, fascinating people-watching, remarkable splendor, flexible schedules, breath-taking water displays, talk-time as a couple.
Why I prefer the Smokies: quiet so deep you can hear it, water rushing over age-old stones, towering trees, scampering squirrels, rustling leaves, eating sandwiches while sitting on a moss-covered log, examining the lichens on a stump, exploring the old cabin with a snake’s head in and out, smells of leaves and bark and decaying vegetation, all the family there.
See the litle head sticking out on the right?
I’ve always thought I preferred the city to the country, and as far as where to live on a daily basis, I do. I love the convenience of being just a few minutes from churches, stores, restaurants, and entertainment.
But when I vacation, I love the outdoors. I love breathing in the natural world, and thinking, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows his handiwork!”
Yes, I learned that verse back in the days when the King James Version was it. Long ago, in my mind, I changed sheweth to shows and handywork to handiwork—a bit too archaic. But in a way I must agree with my mother, who once said, “If it’s good enough for King James, it’s good enough for me!”
Lately I’ve been quite taken with reading daily from the New Living Translation. That wording is lovely also: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.”
Would you rather give an opinion on vacation locations or Bible translations? Go for it!
