History, Family, and a Crazy Rooster

Last week, we enjoyed a much needed time away from our normal routine. We headed out to explore a little Texas history and some quiet time away from everything. Off to Goliad, Texas, the home of two major battles in Mexican and Texas history, and the state park for a little camping and a “field trip”.

I did not grow up camping. In fact, I have camped very little in my life. I’m not sure this really counts as “camping”, since we stayed in a screened in shelter with electricity. That was the topic of great discussion between the kids. The weather was great during the day, getting into the high 70’s. The nights were a bit chilly, with the temperatures dropping to the low 40’s. We were prepared, but it was still cold. The first night was pretty windy and that made it even colder. That first night was a long night.

As the night went on, I heard a rooster crow. I thought “finally, it is morning and the sun is coming up. It will be warm soon.” As I lay snuggled with my blanket over my head to keep my face warm, the first light of morning never came. I heard the rooster crow again. This time I checked my phone and discovered it was only 2 a.m. What kind of sick games is this rooster playing on us? Doesn’t it know I am eagerly looking forward to the morning and the warmth of the sun?

The morning eventually arrived and the sun was much appreciated. We set out on a short hike to explore the park and take a few pictures. After lunch, we explored the area and a bit of Texas history, and explored the cute little downtown of Goliad, the home of Cinco de Mayo. While in Goliad, we visited with a couple of shop keepers and learned even more Texas history. The stories that had been handed down from a generation of people who lived it. A walk through a small cemetery revealed heroes from wars past, from those who fought with the Republic of Texas, Civil War, World War 1 & 2, Korea, and Vietnam. A small town with a rich history. The location of a victory for Mexico over France and a major battle for Texas independence.

I enjoyed our outing. The drive and the time in Goliad was very refreshing. There is a lot to be said for the small town life. Too often I put unwarranted pressures on myself to achieve more and more. It is easy to get sucked into the race for more. More recognition. More achievement. More stuff. I sometimes get sucked into the drive to achieve more and be the best at whatever area I am working in. But when I take the time to get away to a Goliad or other small community and just observe, I look at my life and am reminded that the things I am chasing are not that important. Yes, we need to work hard and do our best, but we often confuse doing our best with being the best. There is a big difference.

As I walk the streets of Goliad and sit by the campfire, there is a peace that comes over me. The feeling of rest and quiet. A much needed break from the daily pressures of life. Pressures that, in most cases, I put on myself in an effort to at least keep up with this race for achievement. A race that, in most cases, is never won.

So back to the shelter, and another cold night. The wind is calmer, the camp fire is warmer, and the rooster will not fool me again.

Take some time to slow down, get out to a small town and stay a few days. Get away from the race of life. If you live in a small town, I know you have your pressures and races, too. Remember, there is only one race that matters.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12: 1-3