Welcome McDonald’s

By Laurie

There was a time in my “young” parenthood life that I had ideals.  My kids would NEVER eat at McDonald’s.  This seemed reasonable at the time since fast food is evil,  and we made it about one year until I went to a Women’s retreat and called Mike to check in on how things were going with Eli, who was about one.  They were at McDonald’s when I called.   

Eli had already eaten. And now he was crawling on the floor ( late walker) and picking up random food and placing it in his mouth as roaming crawlers and toddlers do.  Oh my.  Ideals gone. Expectations shaken.  And guess what, I learned and continue to learn that my ideals and expectations are very frequently unrealistic.  Even though there is a good desire in there with ideals that ought not be ignored , there is a process of letting go and embracing realities. This could be a lengthy discourse here but I’m tired and lacking energy.   

And so, I have now morphed, compromised, some would say lowered my standards, to accepting McDonald’s.  Just a few days ago when we were riding through Illinois and eating one meal at a time from Casey’s convenience store to the next Casey’s, McDonald’s was a welcome change.   

You know, another “lesson learned” with the McDonald’s story is that there is more than one way to do something.  You can travel across the country by many varying modes of transportation.   I still find it hard to wrap my head around how big and amazing God’s creation is. People are living their lives each place we go. People wave, open their homes, share food, give us welcome bags, offer encouraging words, all across the country. We’ve been able to catch up with “ old” friends, my dearest childhood friend, my high school best friend, and another high school friend even cycled with us for a day.  It’s been such a gift to have these meet ups. 

 I was reminiscing with my college friend Gina, who I got to spend a day with, ( and she carried our bags to boot) how there is more than one way to parent, sleep train, feed your kids, etc.  It’s easy/ comfortable to live in our bubble and think our way is elevated.  Catching glimpses of other’s lives is so hopeful and encouraging.  Appreciating and respecting other’s ways is the challenge. 

 When you only have Casey’s, you eat there.  Choices are a blessing and a luxury at times, and I find I appreciate them a bit more in our slowed down bike life.