OUR LIONS WERE CLOSER, CLEARER, AND MUCH BETTER LOOKING

I've been gone. For three weeks. I went to South Africa and didn't get to blog.

Two of the three weeks we were cruising where I met an interesting priest during our non-denom services on ship. Father John Emmanuel Gallagher from Concord, Mass. And he told me why we travel and go on cruises.

It's all about Psalm 2:8--"Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession." Father Gallagher added, "I'm just checking out what a God who loves me gave me". I couldn't agree more.

Well, at least the last part. And I do think that God wants us to be happier than most are. Also travel allows us to be salt and light as well as to give God the glory.

Case in point. When we weren't cruising, we were on safari or visiting Victoria Falls. In Chobe Game Park, we went on safari four different times in a 4 x 4 all terrain vehicle with our guide(s) and two other couples. We saw fantastic game and beautiful birds. Up close and personal. My wife still marvels at how close she got to a leopard.

But to skip to my case. While I was paying the bill for our experiences at Chobe in Botswana, my wife was signing the guest list complete with our names and address and comment. Most comments were favorable expressing thanks for the experience and the beauty of the lodge and animals. In her comments, CQ wrote, "God's creations are truly amazing here."

Simple. Direct. And how true. As Christians we have to speak up in today's secular world. Travel gave her that opportunity. I was proud of her for her comments, and I think God was pleased as well.