Shannon here: Jennifer Slattery shares a romance getaway that turned out better than her expectations, plus a chance to win a copy of her latest Contemporary Romance, Falling for the Family Next Door. Comment or answer the question on any post dated July 7th – 11th to enter the drawing for a print copy. Deadline: July 22nd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Jennifer:
We’ve probably all gone on trips or vacations that didn’t turn out as we expected. Usually, that’s because something goes wrong. Maybe we booked a room at the wrong hotel, purchased plane tickets landing in the wrong city, or left our purse at the airport—not that I’ve experienced any of those things.
Okay, I have.
But I’ve also experienced times when unmet expectations triggered feelings of gratitude and some of my most cherished memories. The fall my husband drove me to South Dakota, was one of those times. He’d long wanted to visit the Black Hills, telling me just how beautiful they were.
I believed him—until a few hours into our drive, when the landscape on either side of the road, and extending before and behind us as far as we could see stretched into a giant expanse of brown. It felt like we were driving further and further from all signs of life, and certainly any restaurants or hotels. This will probably reveal my geographical ignorance, but with each passing mile, I became convinced that would be our vacation.
My husband was taking me for a romantic getaway to experience, to enjoy … the dirt.
For the next hour or so, I did my best to appear enthused so as not to hurt his feelings—while envisioning spending the next few days eating hot dogs purchased from a remote gas station with dingy windows.
But then, the scenery changed to vibrant trees, sprouting around and atop silver mountain peaks, the sky clear, the air pure and sweet. While there, we did the normal touristy things, like visiting Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. What I loved most, however, was when we rented a UTV and explored an area remote enough that we felt we had the location all to ourselves. And, other than a brief encounter with a modern-day goldminer, we did.
In that place, God’s presence had felt tangible—as if He had invited us there to enjoy one another and to meet with Him.
That afternoon wasn’t what I expected, and it didn’t involve roses or fancy restaurants. It provided something much better—time with my Savior and my man. That trip made such an impression on me, in fact, that outdoor vehicles (UTVs and ATVs) found their way in my next release!
Needless to say, I’m glad I didn’t ask my husband to turn around as we journeyed through the barren places. I suspect there’s an analogy in that.
Question for Readers: Have you ever been on a trip that surpassed your expectations? Tell us about it.
About Jennifer: Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who has addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. As the founder of Wholly Love Ministries she and her team help their local, national, and global community experience increased spiritual and emotional freedom through an ever-deepening relationship with Christ. She’s lead host of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast and the Faith Over Fear podcast.
When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves working puzzles and going on leisurely walks with her hilariously fun husband. Contact her through her website to book her for your next women’s event. Learn more and connect:
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About the book – Falling for the Family Next Door:
The home he doesn’t want could become the family he needs.
Returning home to sell his mother’s struggling farm, Tyler Reyes doesn’t expect the new neighbor to ruin his plans. But when Daria Ellis’s ATV rentals damage the property, working on repairs with the single mom is the only option. Soon the simple agreement turns into kids’ riding lessons and family dinners. With his deadline looming, Tyler knows his biggest challenge will be leaving Texas with his heart intact.
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Jennifer’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Falling for the Family Next Door Jennifer’s Books
Come back July 11th for part 2 with Jennifer!
So glad you got to see our state of South Dakota! It is called the land of infinite variety and you really see that when you drive from east to west across the state. Of course, I love it here, even in the cold winter!
Hello, Joan! Thank you for popping in to say hi. It is a highly diverse and beautiful state! I’m so glad I got to see it. Many people told us, prior to our visit, how beautiful it is. 🙂
Before we had children my husband and I took a trip to Europe. It was wonderful seeing different customs, architecture, and eating wonderful food. It was done on our shoestring budget with a friend accompanying us but the memories have lasted a lifetime.
That’s awesome, Maryann! I would love to explore Europe! And I think sometimes “shoestring budget” trips can be the best! How wonderful that you got to experience that with your husband and a friend!
Hey Jennifer. My unexpectedly enjoyable trip was when we went to visit my husband’s dad and stepmom early in our marriage. We’d visited before and enjoyed it. But this time, his dad wanted to take us to the Alamo. I’m not a history buff and didn’t expect to enjoy it at all. But once we got there, it was heart-rending. I could feel the terror the women and children must have gone through. All the trauma and death that took place there. All for liberty. It brought history to life for me. And I still appreciate the heroes of the past more than I did before. But I’m still not a history buff 🙂
I love that one of your special memories included your in-laws. I have some amazing in-laws also. 🙂 (My father-in-law recently passed; he and my mom-in-law are special people with whom we formed numerous priceless memories.)
North Arizona in the early 1990’s Memories I won’t forget.
I believe most of our hikes are like that – hard and uneventful until you get to the point of interest, then it’s breathtaking!