TWO DAYS IN NAPA VALLEY
Lisa and I just returned from a two-day trip to Napa Valley– a bit of an early get-away for our 16th wedding anniversary. We stayed at a great historic spa in Calistoga (thanks to a gift certificate from friends). We sampled some great food and wine, relaxed by a natural hot spring pool in the sun, and made mad love together at all hours of the day and night. I am more exacted about my wife right now than at any other moment in our twenty-one years together.
When we first arrived at the visitors center we were invited to a time-share schpeal at a new local resort– with promises of wine tasting vouchers, free lunch and a free two-night stay at the resort. It was the most painful 90 minutes of my life– in a brightly colored room with many large smiling people drinking soda out of styrofoam cups and celebrating the salvation wonders of prepaid points based resort-style vacations. We were not good candidates for the sales pitch– since we mostly stay with friends on vacation or $47 rooms in budget motels. The saleswomen seemed shocked by our frugality and extensive global community (and the truth that friends from Brazil were presently staying at our house). When she found out I am a writer and speaker, she gushed over her affections for a well-known television preacher from Houston.
I don’t spend much time in the America outside of San Francisco, but when I do, I’m reminded of the markers that identify our culture as being individualistic, consumptive and debt-based. I watched the vacation home sales people sweat as they tried to determine which of us would be likely candidates to help them pay their mortage or credit cards for the month.
There has to be a better way to live– one that is more communal, sustainable, thoughtful and content. And on days when I think that it is hard to pursue community rhythms and intentionality, all I have to do is remember the alternatives. We are going somewhere we have never been before, and sometimes we may think we’ve lost our way, but I believe the struggle to live into our dreams is worth it.
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A little wime, some good food, a good marriage, a community to share with (missionaries in your home while you are away), a frugal lifestyle that allows you to give freely, time to write something meaningful, friendship with God and struggle that refines - sounds like a good life.
Comment by Dottie — May 10, 2007 @ 1:07 am
happy 16th!!!!! miss you guys.
Comment by andrew jones — May 10, 2007 @ 1:28 am
Hope you are well and congrats on the book. Yeah, these timeshare things prey on the worst of our “American” urges. I have family that go so they can get the free stays, but I am either too weak or to cocky to go even for the free toaster
Comment by Bruce Reyes-Chow — May 10, 2007 @ 6:33 am
Too much information!!! >> “made mad love together at all hours of the day and night. I am more **exacted** about my wife right now”
Merriam Webster: ex-act, vt, To call for forcibly or urgently and obtain.
Looking forward to seeing your new book. As an older aged minister in an older aged denomination, I’m really wondering how we balance (can we balance?) living the way of Jesus with sustaining the organizational requirements for maintaining the vision from generation to generation. Will your / our great-great grandchildren also hear about and know Jesus? Maybe that is a question to leave in God’s hands?
Comment by David — May 10, 2007 @ 10:14 am
Hello Mark,
I followed your link from the Emergent Village e-newsletter. I am very much like you. My wife is also named Lisa and we stay at Econo Lodges or more cost effective options as we minister around the country.
Yes, there is a better way to live than the quest for wealth and status promoted by this culture where we live as aliens.
We seem to share a similar journey away from the crowds in a direction hopefully toward Christ.
Now that I found your blog, I will check in from time to time.
At His Mercy,
Calvin Wulf
Comment by Calvin Wulf — May 10, 2007 @ 1:39 pm