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All three of her children had been concerned about this year’s family vacation. Jessica had remained undecided for the longest time about whether to attempt it without her husband. What would a family vacation be without Sam? Maybe he would be released from his military duties soon. But, as the summer slipped away, and back-to-school sales were advertised on TV, radio, and flyers, Jessica realized she couldn’t wait any longer. It was now or not at all.

“I have always heard that you should include your children in making plans, so I’ll give it a try,” she told herself with little hope that they could be of real help. However, remembering her lesson from July, that she needed to seek the Lord in everything, Jessica prayed for wisdom and guidance. “Lord, be in the midst of our planning,” she said. “Help us work together to make this a family vacation to remember.”

A family meeting was called for Friday night. Armed with paper, pen, maps, travel brochures and popcorn, Jessica gathered her children around the coffee table in the living room.

“Okay, now,” she began, “First we have to decide where to go.”

“Six Flags!” Caleb declared.

“Camping!” Brianna suggested enthusiastically.

“To the beach!” insisted Maggie.

“Oh dear,” Jessica said. Why had she pictured all three children in harmonious agreement over this trip? Looking at them, she could see stubbornness starting to set on their faces. Before she could think of a way to resolve the conflict, Caleb spoke again.

“Six Flags has more things to do,” he said. “Camping is a lot of work, and the beach is a lot of lying around.”

“Hey, if we go to the beach, Mom can relax, and we can swim or build sand castles,” Maggie said with teenage persuasiveness. “Six Flags is just hot and noisy. What kind of vacation is that for Mom? Anyway, we’ve done the Six Flags thing before. That’s just for kids. You ought to try thinking of Mom for a change.”

Maggie’s self-righteous attitude didn’t fool Jessica for one moment. She knew that her daughter’s main interest lay in getting a tan and meeting boys.

“Well, camping is cheaper!” Brianna chimed in. She was good at persuasive arguments for a seven year old. “We can hike and explore, cook over a fire, and listen to all the night sounds. Mom can relax, and it won’t be noisy. Camping is the perfect vacation!”

“Not in the August heat,” declared Maggie. “Ugh. I need air conditioning and a pool.”

“Six Flags has water rides,” Caleb reminded his sisters.

“Well, I don’t care!” Brianna said loudly, throwing a handful of popcorn at her siblings.

“All right, all right,” Jessica said firmly before things could get out of hand. “This is not going to work. Here’s what we’ll do. Everyone join hands, and we’re going to ask the Lord to help us plan this vacation. Who wants to pray?”

After a brief silence, Maggie agreed to pray, obviously thinking that it would give her an edge in the final decision. “Dear heavenly Father,” she began, “You know how much I want to go to the beach. I pray that we can all get along and plan a great vacation. Amen.”

Inwardly sighing, Jessica leaned forward and looked each child in the eye. “I want each of you to think of one thing you want to do on this vacation, and tell me that one thing,” she said firmly. “Maggie, you go first.”

Maggie frowned. “I guess ... swimming. Wherever we go, there has to be a place to go swimming.”

Caleb went next. “I want some fun rides, like at Six Flags.”

“Caleb,” his mother said, a warning in her voice.

“I mean, I hope there are some fun rides wherever we go,” he amended.

Brianna spoke up then, a quiver in her voice. “I like to swim, and I like rides, too,” she said, “But I really, really want to sleep in a sleeping bag and eat breakfast outside!”

Jessica smiled and made a suggestion. “How about if I let you take your sleeping bag on our vacation, and you sleep on the floor? And we can have a picnic breakfast, too. Will that make you happy?”

“I guess so,” Brianna said.

Jessica’s idea of a good vacation was one that allowed her to read while the kids entertained themselves. Beautiful scenery was an added plus. Browsing in handmade craft shops would be a bonus.

After much discussion and studying the map, Jessica chose their destination. Chicken Gorge.

“Aw, Mom,” Caleb started to whine. Maggie rolled her eyes. Brianna’s lip pooched out.

“No arguments,” Jessica said. “Just listen. Chicken Gorge has everything you said you really wanted. There are water parks and carnival rides up and down the street, there are pools and hot tubs at the hotels, and a lot of picnic areas. There are museums and shops, too.”

Suddenly Caleb’s eyes lit up. “Hey! I bet we could ride the rides every day! If we went to Six Flags, we’d only get one day to have fun!”

“I guess a water park would be cool,” Maggie added.

“Could we have a picnic by the swimming pool?” Brianna asked, warming up to the idea.

Once that was all settled, Jessica handed out assignments. Brianna was to make a list of things needed for a picnic. Caleb’s list was to cover things needed for carnival fun, and Maggie was to write down items necessary for swimming. Jessica worked on the budget, the reservations, and the directions.

Finally the big morning arrived. They loaded up the car, prayed for traveling mercies, and headed down the road. Each child had a job. Because Caleb was fond of maps, Jessica made him the official navigator. His job was to make sure she stayed on the proper route and kept to the speed limit, and he was to announce upcoming cities. Brianna sat in the front seat as comfort coordinator. She was in charge of the radio and the cassette tapes, and would also pass out drinks from the cooler. Maggie’s job was game leader, to keep everyone from being bored. Jessica’s only stipulation was that they not play, “Punch Buggy,” or any other game involving physical contact.

The time seemed to fly by, until at last they arrived in Chicken Gorge. The children stared out the window as they passed water parks, carnival rides, miniature golf courses, restaurants, a Christmas village, and more. Excitement filled the car with each passing block!

It was one of the best vacations they’d ever taken. Jessica shot several rolls of film to remember it by. Through cooperation everyone was able to have fun. The only thing that cast a shadow over their vacation was Sam’s absence. Maybe next year he could be with them.

“Thank you, Lord, for giving us a wonderful week. I didn’t think it was possible! Help the children to remember how working together made this vacation special. Thank you for taking care of us. And please bring Sam home soon. Amen.”

Copyright 2002 by Brenda B. Covert