Arcadia Adventure

Our children's ministry has organized some fun events called Monday's in the Metro this summer. We've had lots of fun already around the metro at places and/or events we wouldn't have otherwise ran across. This past Monday we went down old route 66 to Arcadia to the historic  Red Round Barn (realized once we were there I had been to an event there before during college), then we went to Pops for lunch. (Thanks Katie for the great picture of the day! Yours were better than mine so I decided to steal them for this post.)

 

I  heard this week that a new Gallup poll indicates as much as 70% of Americans hate or strongly dislike their job. Then this week I met Mr. Sam. He has lived his whole life in this area, was part of the group that helped restore this historic barn and now runs the gift ship and gives a mini tour and history lesson on the barn and the surrounding areas. I am not sure if he even gets paid for this job but boy is he excited and proud to do what he does. He is 87 years young and his passion and energy was moving to me. I feel blessed to be returning next month to work I love. I know the kind of boss I work for maybe a rare breed in the level of support, kindness and motivation I feel from getting to work under that kind of leadership which also lends to me loving my job. I feel like the stat above may indicate even more about the discontentness of our society despite much of our wealth comparative to the rest of the world. On the other hand I know many in this country do what they need to do to provide for their families and haven't had the kind of opportunities I've had of education and professional development that has allowed me to easily pursue my passion and interests. Either way, I still feel Mr. Sam is a great life lesson and example for us for a wise truth that I hope to instill in our children: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." Thanks Mr. Sam, with the deepest sincerity it truly was a pleasure meeting you.

and lastely just keeping it real. Adventures with 3 year olds aren't always sunshine and rainbows. Pretty sure I am on the other end of the death look but I don't recall why. She was actually really pleasant most of the day but I kind of love this captured in photo it such an authentic part of the here and now with this season of life:

 

 

Happy mid week!