This year’s Hixon family summer vacation landed us in the beautiful landscape offered by the Northeast, specifically Acadia National Park in Maine.
I think we’ve officially switched from airport car rentals to Turo, an app that connects a person needing a car with a person who’s willing to rent theirs out, which left us with a spacious 2017 Dodge Journey SUV.
Far from perfect, but we simply needed a cheap ride for the week.
As we toured from place to place, we often found ourselves driving through tiny, yet cute picturesque towns along the way. Many had a single stop light, which reminded us of our own hometown.
Through winding roads, local restaurants, a few retail stores, an antique shop, and a gas station, these small communities were quite hospitable to us tourists.
And, as we lazily drove through these communities, I couldn’t help but notice that they also had (mostly out of sight and out of mind) a water treatment plant, the EMS station, the local library, police station, and fire departments. Had I paid even more attention, I likely missed quite a few other ‘infrastructure’ necessities that often escape our thoughts, but are crucial to supporting life and humanity in these communities.
As my eyes drifted forward, the kids occupied with their own activities as we navigated our way to the hiking path for that day, my mind couldn’t help but realize that we, too, have our own infrastructure that lies beneath the surface of our awareness.
Things like what we believe, our values, how we live, what foods we eat, if we exercise, and how we manage our money. Too, even deeper under the radar of our awareness, are the relationships that support us. Those we’ve invited into our lives to become our spouse, our friends, our family.
But left unattended, over time, infrastructure starts to break down.
Roads develop pot-holes and bridges begin to crumble.
Just as engineers and city personnel fix and maintain a city’s infrastructure, we too must focus on what needs repaired, replaced, or rejuvenated.
Good relationships and social connections are key to our well-being. Ignoring their importance in our lives is akin to letting bridges crumble and fall. Being intentional with connections, especially with those we love and who love us, is paramount to happiness and a life well lived.
What friendships or family connections are in need of your tender, loving care?
Be intentional. Relationships are a key infrastructure to a purposeful life.
Do the work. And may you live on purpose today.
