​I’ve been a traveler since I was eight-years-old and, nearly eleven years later, it’s still magic.
Planes, cars, trains, I’m not picky. They all carry a different kind of adventure. Right now I’m in a rented minivan with two professors and a fellow student. We’re driving to Oklahoma City for a marketing conference. I told myself I would get work done. I was going to read or write my book. But, almost two hours into the journey, I’ve spent more time staring out the window than doing anything else. Usually I’m chatting with my mom (my number one, best of the best travelling companion). But since she’s not here, our car is silent, my right earbud is in, and a mix of upbeat and lowkey Christian music is playing.
I’ve seen all of this terrain before, but somehow it looks more spectacular today. The smoke clouds from factories look almost dreamy and the brown farmland looks worthy of acknowledgement. Maybe it’s the silence or the backseat view. Maybe it’s the coffee I’m sipping on. Or maybe it’s just me being more aware.
I feel adventurous and curious about everything. I feel like I’m traveling through unknown lands, even though we just passed through Omaha and I’ve seen that city about a hundred times.
I love this feeling.
Like everything is new and good. Like nothing or no one could pull me down. And that’s travel for you… if you do it right.
I don’t care if you’re going to Pennsylvania or Prague, Baton Rouge or Berlin, Nebraska or the Netherlands. It can be a rush of magic.
Take time to look our your window and embrace the creation God’s placed on this earth for you to see. Witness his majesty in everything.
Watch the city scapes pass. Let the farmland blur your vision before turning away. Smile at the truckers (my personal favorite pastime).
Wherever you are right now, put on a playlist of your favorite songs and breathe, live, experience. Dream.
I’ll talk to you all later. Right now, Nebraska farmland is calling my name. 

In the season of anger inducing politics, I thought I would share my laundry list. Not about politics, because, frankly, I couldn't care less about those. This is what I'm looking for in the man (or woman) who will soon run our country:

Let them put Christ first. Before their duties. Before their selfish pride and before their ego. Before all.

Let them think before they speak in every situation.

Let them pray before they act no matter what's going on.

Let them love everyone, even those who disagree with them.

Let them have Solomon like wisdom to discern good from bad. Wisdom that is untouchable and indisputably God-given. 

Let them spend more time on their knees and less time in front of the camera or behind a desk.

Let them consider all sides of an argument.

Let them stand up for what they believe in no matter how many people tell them it's wrong.

Let them spend less time debating politics and more time leading our broken nation.

Let them be strong, kind, intelligent, and wise. Let them have a heart for God, country, and family. Let them understand that America is more than Democrats versus Republicans.

Let them be human and let the country understand that no one is going to be perfect.

That's it. Seems reasonable, right?

The bottom line is that I want someone who will seek first the kingdom of God. I want them to pray about everything. I want them to consult all appropriate channels, but consult the King of all Kings first and foremost.

I don't care what color, gender, or political party they fall under. If they serve God before politics, country, and people, then I'm sold.

Because that, and only that, is what will make our nation great again.