Carol and I enjoy traveling. Those of you who know us figured that out because we are out of town quite often. And you probably know that we drive wherever we go. Our travels are based on several factors: Family, ministry, research and the love of country and nature. So, how much traveling do we do? We averaged about 26,000 miles for each of the past six years. However, since we like to travel, that 156,000 miles didn't seem like much.
But is that a lot? It depends on your point of view. Although the overall national average is about 15,000 miles annually, the actual number is relative to age groups. If I remember correctly, our age group averages about 18,000 miles annually for men and 7,400 for women. I do most of the driving, so we will stick with 18,000. And we have renamed our car: Traveler.
Within the past 13 months, we have been to both Pacific and Atlantic coasts twice, and have been to numerous places in-between. Why do we do that? As mentioned previously, we travel for family, ministry, research and the love of country and nature.
But on each trip, something interesting happens as we turn Traveler's nose toward home. It seems as though the car has extra horse-power, or less wind resistance -- or something -- because ... well, how do I explain it? Traveler seems to be happy about going home! I can almost hear the radio speakers say, "Put me on auto-pilot. I know the way home."
Or, is there another factor in the equation? Yes, there is. The truth is, we always look forward to coming home. And when we park the car in the garage and sit in our La-Z-Boy chairs in the living room, we breathe deeply and don't want to go anywhere -- for a while. We are glad to be home. But more specifically, we are glad to be back in Siloam Springs.
Retiring from the Scientific Laboratory in May of 2006 and from being a full-time pastor in February of 2008, Carol and I had the option of living anywhere in the U.S. of A.
We could have chosen the hustle and bustle of city life such as found in Oklahoma City, Denver, Dallas or even Fayetteville. We could have decided to live near resorts such as Pagosa Springs, Manitou Springs or Hot Springs. We could have opted for the fast life such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles or Little Rock. But we had -- and have -- different aspirations in life. We want peace, quiet, beauty and friendship, and Siloam Springs gives us that.
Friendship is big with us, and we've developed strong relationships with many folk here. I am thinking now of Louis Houston and Pastor Randy Rowlan: both fellow writers for the Herald-Leader. Louis graduated to heaven this past April 5. I miss him, and I will see him again someday. But I learned that Randy will also be leaving town -- for another reason.
Randy, an unwavering witness for Christ here in town for about 11 years, has accepted the position of senior pastor in another town. Randy and Laura will be greatly missed. I, personally, will miss them. But I'm not waiting to get to heaven to visit Randy: I found out where he is going, and I'll go see him. Randy is a prime example of the love and friendship that I find in Siloam Springs.
Discovering this town in 1978 and moving here in November of 2008, we have found this to be one of the best towns in the United States of America. I'll never forget what pastor Chuck McCullough (brother of John McCullough) told me back in New Mexico: "If you move to Siloam Springs, you won't want to leave. It's a wonderful town." Chuck was correct.
Another example of love and friendship in town is Ron Batchelor. A shining light at DaySpring Card Company, and for Jesus Christ, Ron is one of the kindest, most compassionate men I've ever met; and Siloam Springs is blessed to have Ron and Debbie.
The Town and the Linzeys adopted each other in 2008 and Siloam Springs is a "haven of rest" for us. Even as we leave town on yet another trip, we already look forward to returning home. This is Our Town. It is Our Siloam Springs. It is our home.
-- Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, mentor and president of the Siloam Springs Writers Guild. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Community on 06/28/2017