Ask any of my siblings about our childhood summer road trips, and each person has a story. Most summers all 6 of us made the trek from Texas to Wisconsin and back. I personally enjoyed the drive as much as the destination. Probably because I didn't have to drive 4 kids for three days. I got to be chauffeured! Gazing out the window, road trip games, motels, food, and my cassette walkman sporting the Sister Act soundtrack. Ask any of my 3 siblings about their experience with it, and chances are at some point you'll run into a conversation about historical markers. You see, Dad really enjoyed historical tidbits, and he enjoyed stopping to read each of those tidbits even more. We knew when we passed a "Historical marker on right, 1 mile" sign, we'd soon hear from dad, "Um, guys, I just need to pull over for a second." Dad knew that when we passed such a sign, he'd hear a Hallelujah Chorus of Complaining from the kids in the back seat.
While I bemoaned them at the time, I am so glad he stopped at the dozens of historical markers each summer. My dad was someone who really enjoyed learning, because he knew that in order to continue growing even well after one's school years, they'd have to take initiative. They'd have to be intentional about their growth; it seems like it misses those who just let the signs go by. My brother, Damon, and I chatted about this once, that we are both glad we got to observe habitual, eager learning... the kind that's driven by a combination of fascination and discipline.
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