 |
| View from the porch in Tennessee |
 |
| Sunset in Tennessee |
It is 6:54 am on my sixth day in Tennessee. For those of you who don't know, my best friend moved here almost a year ago; and she recently (three weeks ago) had a baby boy. We've always been extremely close. Some even think we are actually sisters; which we always love hearing. It's been a really hard adjustment for me, and even though we talk just about every day; it is really hard for me not to be with her.
I've been trying to plan a trip ever since she moved away. Finally, with a ton of prayer, and the wonderful support of my family; I've managed to get an entire week with my long lost "sister" and my new and so amazingly handsome "nephew".
Above are pictures from the first night I arrived here. Those pictures were my view from the front porch, just as the sun had begun to set. As I sit here this morning just seeing the sun begin to rise (photos below) at 6:35am; I knew I needed to bestow some fruit for thought...
 |
| My phone can't begin to do this justice! |
 |
| Feeling the light and love from God above! |
Never ever take those around you for granted. Even though it was only a short flight to Tennessee for me; it will never compare to the week I've been able to spend here with two of my most favorite people, in such an amazing place.
So often, we just allow ourselves to get into "the routine" of things. We never actually take the time to truly examine the huge gifts we are given; even in the smallest of moments. For me, I have two children, a husband, a dog; and a home to take care of. There are so many days where I jokingly say "I'm not sure I even showered today; but everyone's happy".
As a caregiver to two children with special needs, or just being a mom in general; too often I forget about me. I love the gifts I've been given so much that I would gladly place myself last.
While I've been here on my "Me-cation", I started to realize that it's okay to take a break every now and then; because even the Lord that I strive to be like took a break after all this amazement he created for us.
As I watch this sunrise today, I am so thankful for a husband, mother, and mother-in-law that supported this trip; by taking care of my children, so I could have quality time with my friend and her new son. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful gifts in all of them on a daily basis; even if she is a plane ride away from me. I am blessed with an amazing view from her home each morning and evening that I am here. I've met some pretty wonderful people who are her support while I can't physically be with her every day. Most of all, I am truly blessed with the fact that because Jesus wants us to cast all of our cares upon Him; He really will care for us!
I often joke about never having time for myself; as I said above. However, this week has taught me to really try every day to take even just a moment to enjoy all that I have been given. This week that I've been able to be "childless" as everyone has joked with me; knowing that I have and am never one to be without at least one of my children in tow...has been everything from scary to grateful. I promise I am not saying that I am grateful my children are not here with me to enjoy this. I am just so blessed to have people that understand how hard I work each day; and they collectively wanted me to have time for myself.
At the beginning of my week here in Tennessee, I woke up my first morning; and I could tell my friend's parents knew how uneasy I was. They both asked "so, how does it feel to have nothing to do?". I will admit, it took me well into my third day here to really just enjoy my one on one time with my friend and her new son. This entire trip we've been talking about how much our children have change our lives; and how we would never trade it for anything because they are truly gifts from God.
Just think....God feels that way about each and every one of us; and he never even needs a "Me-cation".
Today, I urge you...No matter where you are, what craziness the day has in store for you, and especially if you feel you don't have the time....take a second to just enjoy at least one amazing thing God has given you. Even if your higher power isn't God; enjoy whatever gifts the universe has given you. Things that we take for granted really can be gone in a blink of an eye.
I am going to get back to my "Me-cation" and snuggle the baby that I know will be joining me shortly; all the while thanking God for this gorgeous trip that I've been given.
Be Well and Be Blessed~
Tina
