Loosey Goosey

We planned much of our trip before leaving Indiana, but there were a few days that we left open. I'm very much a planner, so typically that makes me feel pretty unsettled. On this particular day, we woke up at the Grand Canyon and decided that we would head towards Flagstaff and see where the day took us. After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and a stop at McDonalds for Diet Cokes (the total for two was $7.06-quite a bit more than the $2.10 it would have cost at home!), we hit the road. We ended up going to Sedona, AZ and found an adorable cafe that had spectacular wine flights. Our light lunch was excellent - Mom had gazpacho that she loved and I had zucchini stuffed with pine nuts, lemon, basil, and ricotta. We had such great conversation and laughter.

Mom with her gazpacho

We stopped at a Catholic shrine called Church of the Holy Cross on the way out of town and headed to Flagstaff. We really knew nothing about Flagstaff and so we had no expectations (which my Dad has been trying to tell me is the best way to live life for years!  His mantra is "no expectations").  We found a hotel and checked into our room with a balcony overlooking the fire pit in the courtyard and headed to a brewery.
 



Mother Road Brewery and Pizzicletta

We shared a sampler the got back into the car to find a place to eat dinner. As we drove off, we noticed an adorable corner restaurant called Pizzicletta. We decided to give it a shot and ended up having the best meal of our trip. 



Gelato at Pizzicletta

Since I am such a planner, I have sometimes felt almost paralyzed if I stray from my pre-laid plans. In my discernment, God has continued to show me that my plan is meaningless unless it is to follow the path that He has for me. Just as we discovered great spots because we were willing to explore without a plan, He has continued to show me that when I let go of my own simple plans, I discover a beautiful new freedom in Christ.

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13