Fonder

For the last 60 hours I have been free from the things that typically dominate my days. I haven't washed a dish or an article of clothing. I did not cook a single thing, nor did I wipe any one else's body parts. I did not step on or put away any toys. I was not responsible for anyone but myself.

Instead, I slept (10 hours the first night, 9 the next) without interruption. I ate fabulous food someone else prepared. I shopped for great deals at an outlet mall. I did 4 Beth Moore assignments and read fiction! (The Help by Kathryn Stockton) I watched a whole football game (second half on the beach just before sunset). I enjoyed champagne in a spa hot tub before a facial (thanks for the gift, sweet D!) And through it all I was surrounded by precious friends who called me "Jen" instead of Mommy.

We laughed a lot, cried a little, listened intently and counselled lovingly. We shared iphone apps, pictures of our 10 combined growing children, prayer concerns and stories. We reminisced about college days and each discovery that we were pregnant.

By the time this afternoon arrived we were all rejuvenated, refreshed, encouraged and REALLY MISSING the very things we had felt we needed a break from days before. As we dropped E off at her home in Birmingham her reunion with her family left me longing for my own. After a couple of additional hours of driving, I arrived home tonight and almost tackled my husband with a hug. I climbed into bed with each of my sleeping children to smell their hair and remind them how very much they were loved.

Breaks from the hectic pace of life are fantastic. Returning home refreshed and ready for the ones you love is even better!