Escape

This past weekend I spent a night away in a hotel ALL BY MYSELF. Tim came up with the idea as a gift for my 30th birthday. When he first told me of the adventure, I was excited but kind of nervous. What was I going to do all by myself? I can't remember the last time I was alone for that long. I've given up most of my hobbies (due to lack of time) and hardly even know what I enjoy doing anymore. He told me that I needed to spend some time with God and just reflect. That sounds just fine, but I couldn't imagine that filling the entire afternoon, evening, and next morning. I just knew I would get bored and started making some plans. I was going to paint pottery, shop some, and meet a friend for dinner (he said that was ok as long as I didn't hang out too long).
I decided to stop by the hotel to check in and view my accomodations before setting out. I walked in the room and did my usual - inspecting everything and reading all the "instruction" cards in the room. I know it is weird, but I really do enjoy reading manuals and figuring out where everything is and how it works. There was a nice big corner couch in the room that looked pretty inviting, and I decided that I should probably start my time alone with a quiet time. That may sound all spiritual, but it was probably more along the lines of "I better do this first so I can get to the fun stuff without feeling guilty." I started reading the Bible and writing in my journal. Before I knew it, an hour had passed. I took a break and read a magazine by the pool then went back up to my room to do some more reflecting. I answered some tough questions - what are my current temptations, what is my biggest fear, where do I see myself in 1 year and it five years. It was fulfilling and relaxing all at the same time.
I never did make it to the pottery place or shopping. I did have dinner with a good friend and we talked about how we could live purposely in our current phase of life. How do you serve others with small children and how do we teach them to serve at such a young age? We came up with a few ideas and I came away encouraged and motivated.
I never once was bored or lonely. When you let God be in charge of your day, He will not disappoint you. Even though I am back in the real world, this is a lesson that I need to remember...and I highly recommend that everyone take some time to be ALONE every once in a while.

Imitation is the best form of flattery...

I constantly have 2 little pairs of eyes on me. They are watching me...and then they copy whatever I do or say. I can no longer vaccuum alone. Joel follows me around with his little vaccuum holding Elmo (I am usually holding Caleb). If Tim gets out a hammer, Joel has to get his out and "fix" something too. Everything is imitated - the good and the bad. I have to be much more aware of the things I say because I hear a little voice in the background repeating every word. I know that I mess up...alot...and I don't want my children to do the same. I need to pray more for my boys. God will have to teach them what I cannot and He will have to correct my mistakes.