Savoring Seattle

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”’  (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

There it was. Mount Ranier. I had a perfect view of the Washington landmark from my airplane window. It was the beginning of another adventure to a place I’d longed to go to since seeing the movie, Sleepless in Seattle. Why did it take me so long? I can’t answer that, except to say God’s timing is not my timing. But thankfully, I believe this is one of those instances where God gave me one of the desires of my heart. (Psalm 37:3-4)

Do you love to travel?

I think I missed my calling as a television travel show reporter. I love to discover new places, especially ones located near a body of water. In this case, the body of water was the Puget Sound, and it nestled itself right up against the walls of my hotel.

I was woken up each morning by the sound of seagulls flying by my window and the loud foghorns of the various barges passing through the waters.  They started their day early! We stayed at the Edgewater Hotel, famous because the Beatles once graced its presence. I can see why they liked it. Every morning I’d have breakfast at a table with an incredible view, and my gaze got lost in the crystal blue waves of the Sound. Sometimes I imagined myself on one of the cruise ships passing by, headed to a mysterious island.

The three days went by way too fast and there were many things I did not see and do. But reflecting back on scenic Seattle as I make my return to Texas, I asked the Lord to show me where he was each day of the trip, and what I needed to learn from my most recent journey.

I realized how much God loved me to create an opportunity to go to a place I’d longed to visit. One of my closest friends wanted a traveling companion to the area and offered to pay for my meals if I would accompany her. My sweet husband agreed to pay for airfare and hotel, and I was off. I am grateful for a dream realized, and give all the credit to God for putting it together.

God knows I am awestruck by his handiwork, and the Seattle area is another example of his majestic creation. He led me to an area with lush green landscapes, mammoth Evergreen trees, mountain ranges nearby, and the Puget Sound and Lake Union beckoning me closer. Breathtaking!

One of my favorite activities was taking a “Duck Tour” around the streets of Seattle and Lake Union. We rode  in an amphibious vehicle used in World War II, and were entertained by a comedic tour guide. I may be biased, but I think we had the best tour guide in the fleet. The 90-minute ride started off with a land tour, then wrapped up with a spin around the lake, where we admired the view from the water.

One of my goals while on the tour was to see the houseboat used for the movie, Sleepless in Seattle. There it was! My mind wandered back to the scenes featuring Tom Hanks in the movie. The idea of living on a houseboat was appealing until I learned about the million dollar price tags.

As a special bonus, the Blue Angels flew over our heads several times. They were there for a special weekend in Seattle, “Sea Fair” and were practicing at the exact time we were on the Duck Tour.

I was the recipient of God’s generosity and hospitality through his children. My traveling buddy and great friend, Deb, has the spiritual gift of giving. Not only did she treat me, and others to fabulous meals, but she also blessed many of the Naval soldiers touring Seattle during Sea Fair. I watched her slip countless soldiers a $20 bill, thanking them for their service. I was amazed at her kindness and hope I learn to do the same.

I was also blessed by the hospitality of a friend who lives in West Seattle. In the past year, I met Kemala a couple of times when she was in Texas visiting our mutual friend, and told her I’d give her a call if I ever made it to Seattle. I never dreamed I’d be calling her within the year. Kemala was between jobs when we arrived in town, and she graciously drove us around Seattle, showing us some places and restaurants only the locals would know about. Kemala stuck with us all three days in the area. The greatest blessing I received was praying with Kemala about a job she wanted then watching her receive a call the same day telling her she had landed the position. Now that was special!

While I always love traveling to new places, I always appreciate my family when I am gone. Being away always causes me to reflect on my life, the twists and turns it has taken, and I see how God’s hand has directed me over the years. While I enjoy getting away at times, I also look forward to returning home to my familiar digs. Do you feel that way when you travel?

I carried two of our new books with me to Seattle (If I Only Had…), hoping God would show me who to give them to along the way. As it turned out, I gave one to my cab driver on the way back to the airport. He had a delightful personality, and an infectious smile. I then handed one to the schoolteacher sitting by me on the plane ride to Texas. After such a wonderful time, I felt compelled to give something back, and hope the books will make some impact.

Today I am thankful for the exciting travel the Lord provided this year. I am hopeful to discover another new place next year and have put in my request. Lord, how does Hilton Head sound? (LBW)