The Puddles

Thanks to Grandma and Papa Lake for taking the kids for the weekend, because it allowed Chris and I to get away by ourselves for a mini-vacation.  Now, we did get away a few years ago in 2008, but that was to come to Conroe to interview (really not a vacation when you are nervous the whole time about a new calling and finding a house and staving off the wolves at home . . . all in the same breath while staying at your sister’s house). So not since before Madie was born have we been able to get away overnight for a vacation.  This was definitely well deserved time away.  We escaped to our vacation secret getaway location and again it was glorious.  We walked the beach for hours with hardly any other people.  I sat and read by the water for hours more while Chris walked and walked and walked some more.  I don’t mind walking but at some point I like to just sit, take in the sun, while reading a good book.  We ate good food in this tiny beach town and we were even able to go watch a movie and do some shopping for a little while.

I was worried that I would be completely bored and couldn’t possibly come up with that many hours of conversation to fill the time.  But I wasn’t and we did.

I think it did Chris a world of good too.  We only got two phone calls while we were there from church people.  And that . . . is a good record.  I was amazed at the restraint that people had and that no one else called (and that no emergencies occurred).  It was awesome.   For anyone who has ever worked for or has been called into church ministry, you know that rarely are you ever off.  Of course, we would have answered the phone if someone did call, but it was so cool that so many people didn’t. Thank you.  Talk about Pastor Appreciation month!  That was a really good way to show your Pastor that you appreciate him.  No phone calls on vacation!

So we have returned. The children have returned. We are slowly immersing ourselves back into family life.  We have all unpacked our suitcases.  I am currently washing the clothes from the weekend and fixing dinner while the children are outside playing with friends.  But we are all feeling relaxed and full of vitality.  Ready to meet the world head-on . . . again.  We are renewed for the journey.