My wonderful husband & I just returned from one of our 24 hour escapes. We try to get away together every few months, just for a night, to reconnect and give each other the undivided attention that is so very difficult to come by in our daily lives. As usual, we were only an hour away, and our plans were not particularly exciting. Our purpose this weekend was to celebrate his birthday. We enjoyed an afternoon of shopping in Atlanta, a nice dinner, a rented movie, an early bedtime and delayed wake-up this morning.
It was refreshing to have uninterrupted conversation, quiet spaces and laughter without the reminder of chores that need to be done (me) or cases that need to be dictated (him) that always loom over our heads at home. Absence from the stressors of 'real life' makes my love for my husband stronger. Or perhaps it is really just the temporary removal of those distractions helps me remember what (and who) is most important.
This morning we were able to visit our old church in Atlanta--how my soul lapped up the atmosphere of praise and worship. I was challenged by the proclamation of truth from the pulpit. How I miss the way the Spirit moves in that place!
Returning home is always a highlight of going away, as it seems the children have aged a month in one short day apart. This time was no different. I could not get enough of them this afternoon. My arms had longed to hold them close, my lap had missed their weight, my ears had missed their giggles, my eyes wanted to see their smiles and my fingers wanted to run through their hair. Absence from my offspring had been rejuvenating, but my heart had felt incomplete.
I confess I have been in the Winter doldrums here. Sick children, miserable weather, not feeling so well myself and the challenges that are inherent in 'real life' (like wrecking my car in a parking lot on Friday---uggh!) had begun to make me feel like a black cloud was looming. My attitude and perspective had definitely been dimmed.
I always feel a little guilty as I leave, but the difference in my attitude when I return is all the proof I need that rest makes me stronger. Tonight I feel lighter, reconnected, renewed and rejuvenated. I feel recommitted to my roles as wife, mother and Christian woman. May I not forget the importance of these respites!
4 comments:
Moments alone are precious and WELL DESERVED! Glad you had a nice time.
Absolutely! I blogged about a similar experience back in November. A group of moms from my church has an annual girls-shopping weekend and it was my first year to attend. Right up until the very hour of our heading out, I was waffling. I knew I'd miss the kids so much. Hubby insisted that I go and enjoy myself. I am sooo glad I did. Yes, I longed to see and hold my sweet ones (my hubby included)...but it was amazing to come home to their precious faces and happy cries of "Mommy's home!!!"
I'm glad you got some time away. And I'm glad your soul was fed as well. :-)
Oh, I'm getting so excited. My hubbie and I are going to a wedding in Austin in a few weeks, and I'm so looking forward to the reconnection time!
It's wonderful that you take these get-aways. When our children were little, we went away every 3 months and it was always so wonderful. Now, with teenagers, we are alone most of the time on weekends and I find myself looking forward to Sunday nights, which are usually family nights. Tonight, our very own little family Super Bowl party was just what I needed.
I'm sure you are glad to be back with your little ones again, but it's great to get away and regroup.
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