The night is darkest just before the dawn

I don't know if that saying actually has any real scientific merit but it certainly rang true for me this summer. My summer job took me away from Utah and down to the northern part of Texas. It was hot, dusty, and at times a little bit miserable. But overall I was in good company and had an enjoyable time. However, my last week of work was indeed a trial and a tribulation. Tuesday was particularly awful. My exhaust system on my car broke. Like, we are talking pipes hanging from the bottom of my car, scraping the asphalt. I was terrified that I would have to stay an extra day or two for it to get fixed.

Thankfully, we were able to get it fixed on Wednesday and I started the journey home on Thursday morning. I was so grateful. My prayers had been answered. However, 200 or so miles from home I hit something on the road and my right rear tire was shredded. Let me just take time to point out that I had already replaced all four tires on my car over the course of the summer. Needless to say I was a little bit bummed.

Anyway, we put the spare on and somehow made it the rest of the way home. Shoutout to Dalton Facer for sticking with me the whole way just in case I got another flat. But as we were driving across the rather large state of Wyoming I couldn't help but think of the pioneers who made a similar trek but on foot. After initial thoughts of, “why me?” I realized I had so much to be grateful for. So I thanked God for my safety, for my friends, for my family waiting for me, for technology and innovation, for all the blessings which I enjoy everyday.

The night may be darkest just before the dawn but what better time to look up at all the stars?