Why do we let life get so complicated? Why does each day resonate with a hum of busyness, seldom marked by peaceful, unplanned hours? Isn't it odd that we feel something must be wrong if the morning lies before us blank and fresh, unwritten upon by cares and schedules and plans? There is power and fulfillment in setting goals, large and small and accomplishing them. In fact I always start my days with one or two simple tasks that I can finish and check off immediately. That sense of accomplishment makes the hours of play and fun that much more worthwhile.
We just got back from a trip to Kentucky. Seems as though every other month we are taking off for one training or conference or another. We decided early on that we would take advantage of any and every time to be together as a family. That means being ready to leave at a moment's notice, spending weeks in a hotel without a car and only a few of our belongings, making a home wherever we go.
More than anything else this Army life has taught me how to enjoy the unplanned. Everything is completely up in the air, we are definitely flying by the seat of our pants and after several trips of stress and confusion I have realized if I sit back, go with the flow and tune in to what's going on in the moment I enjoy life so much more.
Natalie and Adam are terrific unplanners. I will have a day all laid out for them and in one fell swoop whether it be every toy box in the house dumped on the floor or fishing in the toilet, the plans are changed. A general plan gives our days peace and meaning. But unplanning has its merits as well. Children are incredibly resilient and they help us to see the fun in small spaces, uncomfortable beds, last minute meal options and even long hours in the van. What memories we have made on these trips, how much we have learned about each others' patience (or lack thereof), food preferences (Is there any other option than McDonald's?), favorite films (Peter Pan is one of the family now), and chosen pasttimes,(collecting rocks from every gas station from NC to KY).
I watch my children as they grow closer together. Our geography changes, the surroundings are often new but the constant they have is each other. So here's to the unplanned; often uncomfortable, sometimes unbearable, but always unforgettable...
1 comment:
Hi Sarsh! I was wondering where you went. I'm glad that you are back safely.
We are the same kind of family, trying to make the most of the time we have together. Keith is working 50+ hours a week right now, so when he is home...we go to the park, we take walks and we do things together. We don't go and do our own thing apart from each other and we haven't gone on dates without the kids. It can be exhausting, but we want to make the most of the time we have together.
Children can make things fun. I mean, our birthdays this year were an absolute blast because of the kids. They were so happy to celebrate! :)
You told me long ago about the struggles that your own family of origin dealt with while you were growing up. Moving, not having tons of outside friends and the stress of ministry...yet I look to your parents and siblings as a model of a healthy family. I see in this post the beginnings of the same sort of life for the 4 of you. Sticking together, going through life, depending on one another.. Never easy or settled, but bonded and tight knit in a way that most families dream of.
I love you, friend!
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