The next segment of our journey on vacation out west was to Williams, Arizona. This was a short drive from Flagstaff so we had most of our day free to explore.

Williams is an old railroad town. We enjoyed walking down the streets where most of the buildings are now gift shops and restaurants. We stayed in Williams a couple of nights and rode on the Grand Canyon Railway to the Grand Canyon. But that ride was scheduled for the second day of our stay there. So we decided to take some scenic drives in the area after we enjoyed the little town.

The Visitor’s Center offered a map that designated some scenic spots, so we chose a route that would lead us to a place with a view of the area, including the Grand Canyon. We turned onto the little road leading to this site, but after a few miles it began to look like a pretty rough ride. Since we were uncomfortable with proceeding, we turned around, very carefully, in this little dirt road, and returned to the paved road. We continued further on down that road and saw signs to a destination. Since it was a reasonable distance, we decided to check it out. However, when we reached the turn off point, it was a small dirt road on which we would have to drive many more miles. We decided that would not be a wise move for us, so we turned around and started back to Williams.

We shared on the drive back how we felt a bit disappointed since we had not seen what we expected. We could have been irritated by that and complained that this was a waste of time, but we chose to see the positive in the situation. This had been a beautiful drive on a sunny afternoon. We saw an elk on the way and several deer on the way back. We stopped and watched the deer cross the road in front of us. It was a relaxing drive and restful to be sitting comfortably after having walked for quite a while earlier in the day. I mean, how often do I get the opportunity to leisurely drive around in Arizona! Possibly never again.

As I think back on that day, I am reminded that life brings disappointments; sometimes small ones and sometimes huge, life-changing ones. We can get upset and angry, or we can accept it for what it is and look for the positive. It is our choice.

What life choices are you facing today? Which one will help you to better live . . . life to the fullest?