Remember writing those first day of school compositions? I’m not quite ready for that yet, but in the last few days I’ve been ruminating over our last three weeks of travel.
From home to wedding weekend, full of family and treasured friends. Then off to spend time with Mom, followed by grandson adventures. Driving home with the one I pledged my life and love to 35 years ago, I thought about what I had learned.
1. Sometimes you forget; it’s good to remember. You forget what it’s like to have a two-year-old who wants no one but Mommy. You forget that thrill of being called “Mr. and Mrs.” for the first time. You forget just how much crazy fun it is to have the whole bunch together. And it’s good—so good—to remember those things.
2. Real love wins. When plans are derailed, when life throws you a curveball, when age and generation and geography separate you and those you love, yes, even then real love wins. What do I mean by real love? You know, the kind that’s from above—that models Christ’s love for us. It’s faithful and unselfish and overlooks oh-so-much. That’s real love. It’s the best.
3. When there’s a two-year-old around, there just might be crocodiles in the family room. And if said two-year-old asks you to follow him on tiptoe, just go for it. There’s nothing like the imagination of a child, and what fun to be a part of it!
4. Traveling time can be thinking time, and sometimes that's sorely needed. We spend hours in the car, and it’s such a great time to think, to talk, to dream. I love it.
5. Coming home is good. Back to a bit of routine, the familiar stuff…it feels good. And all those things I planned and dreamed about on the trip? Let’s just say I have my work cut out for me. I’m thankful to have those things to reach for and work for.
If I can keep remembering, and make real love the main thing while I indulge in crocodile hunts in the midst of my travels, then even the routine of home will be a joy.
What did you learn on summer vacation?
I'm linking up with Laura, Michelle, and Jen today.
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11 comments:
Crocodiles in the living room?? Yikes! (grin) It sounds like you've learned some lovely lessons on summer vacation, Laura.
It sounds like you've had an amazing summer vacation, Laura Lee. I've yet to go on mine but so look forward to the time to think, to talk, and to relax. I don't have a sweet two year old grandchild to go on a crocodile hunt with, but I look forward to the days when I can and in the meantime, my husband will have to do! :) Thanks for this peek into your sweet days of summer, my friend! Love it!
Wonderful picture. Thanks.
i smiled all the way through this post, laura. so glad summer has been so awesome!
Having just returned from a week's vacation in NYC, I can relate to most of these, Laura! Great points. What I learned was that I can get very grouchy if I don't get enough rest in between activities. :-) But if I'll build that in, everybody is happier.
Yes! Let's hear it for choosing to take the time to play, to be right smack dab in the middle of the moment, to leave the daily routines behind!
Love this!
Laura Lee,
Wasn't it wonderful to get away for a time? We drove for long hours and it was great "us" time for my husband and I to just talk and also time for me to read, think and pray. Hard and nice all at the same time to come back to our routine. Someday (I hope) soon I will have grandchildren to chase crocks with. What fun! Kim
You are right about travel time being good for thinking. It is a gift to be unplugged and on the road with someone you love. Glad you're having a good summer!
Sounds like a wonderful vacation! My boys love to play pretend. Thanks for sharing!
Hope you liked your bracelet and earring set you won back in May. :)
So glad everything went well! Our summer vacation has been much busier than anticipated, though we haven't gone anywhere. It's been a long time since we've had a little one around - it was fun to visit a niece with a two year old recently.
I love this list but especially the crocodiles. Don't you just love their imagination at this age!
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