Events of Sunday, August 1, 2010 

Today was even less exciting than yesterday: no Costco, no rainstorms, and no laundry adventures. We drove to the Apgar Visitor Center on the west side of Glacier National Park. Parking was scarce, and the visitor center was tiny. We drove around the southern end of the park and found a new campsite in Saint Mary, near the east end of the park. Then we drove to the much more interesting visitor center there and informed ourselves about the human history of this region. We watched a 20-minute video about the park that advertised the many attractions and recreational opportunities of the area.

Since the external events of the day deserve little attention, I will take the opportunity to go deeper. One challenge on an adventure like this is getting along with one another. Humans by nature are selfish creatures, tending to irritate and become irritated. We six are fully human, and so conflict is a part of our lives. Our visit to Yellowstone included many long, full days with much driving, leaving little time for sleep. In my weariness, I raised my voice, pouted about the injustice of life, took offense where none was intended, and generally ticked off my traveling companions. In time, I realize my error and apologize. And they forgive me. A quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer resounds for me:

“In a word, live together in the forgiveness of your sins, for without it no human fellowship, least of all a marriage, can survive. Don’t insist on your rights, don’t blame each other, don’t judge or condemn each other, don’t find fault with each other, but accept each other as you are, and forgive each other every day from the bottom of your hearts.”