4 Nights

I am amazed that I just spent 4 nights and 3 1/2 days away from all 3 of my children. It was only supposed to be 2 nights and 2 days but rain, hail, and 6 inches of snow got in the way of our plans. Thankfully my grandparents were able to continue caring for them while we stayed longer in Tulsa. The boys had a blast with their great grandparents! And we had a lot of fun too.

Sometimes I feel really guilty when I am away from my boys. (Like I am supposed to be with them every minute of their lives until they leave home.) But this trip I didn't feel that way. I knew they were having a great time with their great grandparents like I used to when I stayed with them on my spring breaks as a kid. It was very quiet in the car after we dropped them off. But we slowly adjusted and enjoyed being together just the two of us. Even though it wasn't really just the two of us because we stayed with friends and were surrounded by people all day. But it still gave us a chance to reconnect with each other. It gave us a chance to talk without interruption in the car, to gaze into each others eyes from across the room, to hold hands and be around each other off and on all day for 4 days, and just be a couple.


We went to a workshop in Tulsa where J worked at a booth for Sunset International Bible Institute meeting potential students and talking to them about online bible studies. He also took pictures of all our alumni who were speaking at the workshop. It was so great to see the many people who share in our love for the Lord. So many who are seeking to teach others of the love of Christ in our country and many others as well.

Now that I am back to my job as house manager and teacher and mom, I am feeling pretty tired. The boys have a bit of work to do on remembering how we act when we are at home. And I am in need of lots of patience as I do my best to be firm and gentle and enjoy my children who I missed so much. I really did miss them. Though I did not miss the picking at each other and being told no. I have realized that although I liked to tell people what to do when I was a kid and maybe even a young adult, I really enjoyed 4 days of having to tell no one but myself what to do. I am so grateful that God has blessed me with three wonderful boys to teach and love and grow with! I will stop thinking of it as telling them what to do and instead think of myself as their coach.

So, I wish I could think of something more profound to say or share insights from my trip. But for tonight all I can think of is a bit of time with my husband and some sweet sleep. Good night, dear friends!