Yesterday was the first time I left home alone since Cal was born. At almost 4 weeks old, I was definitely ready to get out of the house and have just a little uninterrupted alone time.
I can distinctly remember leaving home for the first time after Max was born. I was nervous and emotional; concerned that he would most certainly need me and that obviously no one could care for him quite like me. Leaving yesterday was different. There was absolutely no less love, care, or concern for my sweet second babe, just a different confidence in Andy (or other caretakers), awareness that they would indeed be just fine, and understanding that my brief pockets of time away are necessary, refreshing and good for everyone!
What freedom to simply hop out of the car without juggling bags, a car seat and a very quick two-year old. I arrived at the coffee shop with my standard three book minimum, presented my “free coffee” coupon, propped up my feet and read for the next hour and a half!
{It was glorious}
(I read the assigned Bible passages from Blackhawk’s Eat This Book Challenge and read a few chapters in both The Dirty Life and The Sacred Marriage, in which I am completely enthralled and jotting down numerous quotes to share).
It was so incredibly relaxing…but you guessed it, after a short time I was eager to check in at home with the boys. Isn’t it strange how I was so looking forward to that time away and as I was enjoying it, I couldn’t help but miss all of my amazing blessings waiting back home?
I called Andy and was immediately jealous as I learned that they were playing outside in the beautiful 60 degree weather, wrestling in the leaves, hiding in Max’s fort and even chasing around a garden snake. I swiftly left the coffeeshop, and truly, as I drove home I had the same feeling as driving over to Andy’s when we were dating; that anxious, nervous, “can’t-get-there-fast-enough” excitement! A child’s innocence, purity, joy and excitement revive taking pleasure in all of life’s little things. Just thinking about Andy and him having so much fun together made my heart race and overflow with thankfulness at God’s good gifts.
We spent the rest of our afternoon eating snacks at the picnic table and playing outside:
absolutely no fear or repulsion at the slithering snake, just pure excitement to chase it around (and fling it at the cats)...not sure how I feel about any of this!
up at the playground...
plus, what makes the time so fun is having my sweet hubby home!
this about sums up our outside fun together!
I’d say, the monotony of being home, in the same location, doing mostly the same things, with little social interaction and the perpetual tending to someone else’s needs (who doesn’t comprehend or appreciate the demand), are the greatest challenges of being a full-time homemaker. Which is why I am so thankful for the bits of time I am able to get away…
But more than that, the time away is refreshing as it allows me to think about my home and family from a distance and puts into perspective the investment I am making there and the joy I take in my work!
Becca V
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Delightful to read!! Perhaps you should be an author!!
haha, thanks Mom :)
“It was so incredibly relaxing…but you guessed it, after a short time I was eager to check in at home with the boys. Isn’t it strange how I was so looking forward to that time away and as I was enjoying it, I couldn’t help but miss all of my amazing blessings waiting back home?”
AMEN