This past week has been a blur of preparation as I’ve worked to equip John for all the goings-on for our family for the upcoming 7 days. With my cruise-vacation on the horizon, I’ve not only needed to pack my bags and print off itineraries and boarding passes, but I’ve also needed to stock the shelves and document daily homeschool schedules. I generated seven pages of notes, one for each day I was gone. Each included meals and lesson plans (John is maintaining our rigorous school work).
As the first flurries of snow fell this week, I’ve collected sunscreen and sandals for my suitcase.
And somehow, after days of organization, my sweet family dropped me off at the Delta Airlines entrance and my adventure is beginning.
So many emotions have waxed and waned in my heart and mind. As a long time vacation lover it’s not hard to get excited about a cruise. But leaving my family? Have I lost my mind? John and I rarely go out to dinner alone because we don’t like leaving our kids. We’re just not people who need a break from them. So why did I even consider John’s suggestion to enjoy a get-away?
I’ve sort of struggled to even explain it to myself. Now, friends have been overwhelmingly supportive of this trip. Oh, the JOY people have expressed for me. To be sure, some just guess I need a break from my kids. Those people are wrong. I do not. And those happy people don’t really “get” my lifestyle. But the people who know me best and are so excited for me have been a tremendous encouragement to me as I go along this CRAZY path.
I’ve wrestled with why I’ve been keen on this trip. Sure – I’d like a break from dishes, and cleaning, and cooking, and grammar, and dirty floors. But a week away from John and my kids??
We’ve been a bit giddy the last few days as we’ve edged toward my trip. Punchy. Cheerful, but incredulous.
Then today, after jokes about this being my ten-years-of-homeschool-anniversary gift, and John’s joke that “Ten years ago your mom drew the short straw,” and the kids’ concern that dad would fold and quiver in the closet, John made the most astute proclamation: “You need to secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others.”
I’m so grateful John wanted to bless me. I’m glad my kids are so encouraging.
I have 8 books, plus my Bible – mostly young adult literature my kids are assigned that I’ve never gotten to read. I have Chuck Swindoll and John MacArthur podcasts and Adventures in Odyssey loaded on my iPhone. I’m hoping for sunshine. Lots of time to rest, but just enough entertainment to keep me from being homesick.
I know John and the kids will be great. I’ve left some treats & surprises.
I hope to eat well & enjoy sunshine.
I’m hoping to recharge my batteries.
Dayspring Disciples 