Down time and Mount Rushmore - Sunday, July 20

We started the day with our own little worship service and devotional at the campsite. It’s wonderful to worship so close to God’s creation, and this has called to Laura’s mind the verses in Romans 1:19-20 that talk about how His character is revealed, among other places, in His creation. Interestingly enough, after each such singing and devotion time we’ve had (with the Kiersteads in Yellowstone and by ourselves now in South Dakota), nearby campers have commented later on how they enjoyed it, or they’ve come to join us. Kara, you’d be happy to know that the songbook you lent me is being put to such good use.

Our current campground (Spokane Creek near Keystone, SD), is well-suited to the rest we craved for today. The kids swam, played mini golf, and generally had an excellent time building dams on the little stream behind our site.

We took in one cave nearby, the Beautiful Rushmore Cave. Laura did great with her claustrophobia! Surprisingly, it was Philip and acrophobia that got us in trouble. There were several spots that called for climbing long stairways, and some combination in there really got to him. Poor little guy!

After supper we visited the Rushmore monument. The grandeur is there, but I especially appreciated the reminder of how our country has been formed and the principles through the centuries that have shaped it. Each president represents some particular aspect: Washington is formation. Jefferson is the constitution and expansion (Louisiana Purchase). Lincoln is unity and equality. Teddy Roosevelt is equality for all men (not just the rich) and establishment as a world power.

Note on the picture here: You might notice that the kids are arranged like the presidents behind them (Meredith is Washington, for example).

The evening program brought together these thoughts particularly well. A troop of Boy Scouts was camping next door to us (we keep running into Scouts here and there), and they retired the flag in that evening’s ceremony. The ranger leading the program also used that opportunity to honor veterans in attendance. I’m glad to have seen that demonstration of patriotism, and especially glad Laura and my kids shared it with me.

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