Earl and Pearl Checking the Little Things.

In this episode we’re taking a lighthearted ride through one of life’s most relatable adventures... forgetting the little things.

Whether you’ve ever driven off with the power cord still plugged in, left the antenna up, or discovered somthing else you forgot, you’re in good company.   Earl and Pearl are back, and this time, their first official Sojourn rollout from Camp Bee becomes a rolling reminder that sometimes the smallest oversights can create the biggest memories.

But beyond the laughs, today’s story also points us toward something deeper. In our walk with Christ, it’s often not the giant failures that trip us up first. More often, it’s the little neglected things... a skipped prayer, an unopened Bible, an unkind word, or a blessing left unnoticed.

So buckle up, double check the checklist, and join us as we laugh, learn, and remember why both on the road and in faith, the little things matter more than we often realize.

Transcript

Speaker 0:05

Hello, fellow Stow Jurers. I'm your host, Dave Light, and welcome to Travel with a Pope, a podcast designed to keep Swedurners and friends informed, entertained, and inspired.

Speaker 0:24

It was a bright East Texas morning at Camp B, and Earl Traveler stood proudly beside the RV with his hands on his hips, grinning like a man who had personally invented road travel. They were excited about moving on to a sure enough sojourn. It was their first after being officially welcomed into the Sojourner family at Camp B. Earl, he announced confidently, we are rolling out in record time. I've got everything under control. Earl, who had been married to Earl long enough to know those words usually meant entertainment was imminent. She adjusted her glasses and asked everything? Absolutely, Earl said, giving the RV a dramatic pat. Check the tires, top the fuel, clean the windshield. We are road warriors.

Speaker 1:18

Well, Pearl climbed into her seat, wearing the expression of a woman cautiously boarding a moving sermon illustration. With great flourish, Earl fired up the RV. So far so good. They waved goodbye to everybody, pulled out slowly, and made it approximately seventeen feet before Pearl heard an odd scraping sound.

Speaker 1:42

Pearl, Pearl said, did you forget something small? Earl stopped, stepped out, and discovered the power cord was still plugged into the campsite pedestal. It was stretched tight like a bungee cord of embarrassment. Jay was standing nearby with his coffee in his hand. He called out Well now, Earl's trying to take Camp B's electricity on the road. A few chuckles drifted across the campground. Earl unplugged it with a sheepish grin. Minor detail, he said.

Speaker 2:18

Then round two began. This time they made it all the way to the check in shed before a loud clatter erupted from above. Thunk. Bang flap, lap, flap. Earl slowly turned her head. What was that, Earl? I don't know, Earl said. Pearl climbed out, looked up, and it was the antenna. Sure enough, Earl had forgotten to lower the old antenna, which was now waving like a surrender flag after clipping a low tree branch. Well, Earl said, adjusting his cap. We probably weren't going to watch TV anyway. Earl gave him the look.

Speaker 3:02

After securing the antenna, they tried again. This time they actually reached the Camp B gate. Victory seemed close. They drove in peaceful silence for nearly five glorious minutes on Cook's Road. Then Earl smiled sweetly and asked, Earl, did you remember to latch the refrigerator? Her eyes widened just as they heard the unmistakable sound of a pickle jar making a tragic life choice. From the back came a crash, followed by suspicious rolling noises. Pearl sighed. Miles dove for the bed. Miss Gypsy looked as though she was reconsidering her travel arrangements. Earl pulled over and Earl opened the fridge to discover what could only be described as a salad based rebellion. By the time everything was cleaned up, Pearl was laughing too hard to be annoyed.

Speaker 4:05

Earl, she said, patting his shoulder, at this rate, we may never leave Texas. Earl grinned. Maybe so. But think how prepared we'll be when we do. And so, with the power cord unplugged, the antenna lowered, the refrigerator latched, and dignity only slightly dented, Earl and Pearl finally rolled out. A little later than they planned, a little wiser than before. And with Pearl's new pre-departure checklist officially taped to Earl's steering wheel. It read keys, cord, antenna, bridge, and pride. Because it can't be even the smallest oversights can become part of the adventure. Because when we're rolling down the road, even the smallest oversights can become part of the adventure.

Speaker 4:58

Well okay. So this was a humorous look at what happens to all of us. We get excited about pulling out and heading to a sojourn or home and overlook some of the small things. That reminds me, by the way, not overlooking the small things is also biblical. It isn't always the big things in life that derail us. It's the little things we might overlook. Certainly that applies to prayer, Bible study, and our relationships.

Speaker 5:28

Simple neglect might seem not to be a big issue. But you know, God's word offers some reminders. In Luke chapter 16, verse 10, we're reminded that if we're faithful in the little things, we'll be faithful in the larger things. Galatians 5 9 tells us how a little leaven affects the entire lump. And a very interesting statement is made in James chapter 3, verses 4 and 5. James says, Look at the ships also, though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. Small actions, like a rudder, have massive consequences.

Speaker 6:14

James is talking about our mouth can get us in trouble, but the principle of something small affects bigger things is still true. Just like we have an RV checklist for departures, we need a daily spiritual checklist. Have we prayed? Have we opened God's word? Have we spoken kindly to others? And very importantly, have we thanked God for the blessings He showers on us that we might overlook or take for granted? They may seem small, but they are very important.

Speaker 6:47

So the next time you're preparing to pull out with your rig, don't be like Earl. Take a moment to appreciate the simple discipline of checking the little things. And before you start your day, run through your spiritual checklist to make sure our life is in line with God's will. And when we do that, we enjoy the journey.

Speaker 7:08

Well, thank you for listening to this podcast. I invite you to subscribe and share it with others. I'm your host, Dave Leighton, and remember we glorify God as together we travel with a purpose. Happy sojourning.