Wow, what a whirlwind.
On Wednesday of last week, my husband was informed of a soccer recruiting trip in St. Louis…and was asked by the head coach, “I know this is late notice, but is there any chance you can go?”
It was a great opportunity for Matt to watch and visit with potential players for York College (where he coaches). And since soccer game season ended last week, we actually had the weekend fairly open. For the next few hours, we went over and over details – deciding whether or not he should go, and if so, who he should take with him.
Should Asa go so that he could have one on one time with Dad? Or maybe one of the other boys? Or maybe both older boys? How about all the boys? Or maybe none of the boys?
I didn’t even consider going. I am crazy far behind on work since this fall has been so busy, plus I have several big projects in the works (now don’t you just wish I could tell you what those are?!). Matt figured if he took some or all of the boys, I could get some focused computer time in, and it would be great all around.
The only problem was – while we discussed it, prayed about it, and slept on it…none of the options sounded good to me. Thursday morning, I was weepy, irritable, and for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why. For goodness sake, having all or most of the boys gone for the weekend would give me hours of quiet time to work! It’s just what I’ve needed during the past few months!
It wasn’t until Thursday afternoon, when Matt was looking over more of the details of the hotel accomodations, and other aspects of the trip, that we realized what a family friendly trip this would be. Suddenly, without thinking, I said, “Why don’t I just go too?”
At that moment, every single bit of anxt I had about the weekend fell away. Wouldn’t you know it…all that yuck I was feeling about sending my boys off for the weekend wasn’t sadness over potentially missing them – it was lack of peace! God was trying to give me an answer, but I wasn’t listening. At least it only took a few hours this time for me to figure out what God wanted. (Sometimes he has to tell me things for years before I hear Him. I’m sure glad He’s so patient.)
Long story longer – after a whirlwind of packing and tying up loose ends, all six of us left for St. Louis Friday morning.
While I thought going on a trip would stress me out, I felt nothing but calm the entire time we were gone. (It was that peace God was waiting to give me.) Matt went to dozens of soccer games, spoke with players and parents, and made many great connections that will be great for upcoming soccer seasons at the college.
In the meantime, the boys and I swam, worked out in the fitness room, watched movies, and played basketball at the hotel court. (Why yes, it was a very nice hotel.) Believe it or not, I was even able to work a little on my projects on the laptop. And we all got to hang out with Dad when he came back in the evenings.
Here we all are out for dinner on Saturday night. So much fun!
God always knows just what we need, doesn’t He? I sure do love it when I listen.
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Tiffany says
I’m thankful for the time my hubbie spends mentoring my boys : ) God is good!
Leia E says
I am thankful that God is in control no matter who wins the presidency and He is faithful and good ALL the time!
http://www.electionprojection.com/2012_election_results.php
Brooke says
That sounds fun Laura! Always good to have a little get-away every once in a while. :)
Today I am grateful for the weather! Shorts and flip-flop weather here in Sunny SoCal. 90 plus degrees. I’m not saying that to brag or whatever, but truly grateful that God has blessed me to live here as I can only thank HIM while being mindful of people on the eastcoast in terrible weather. :(
Jaclyn says
What a wonderfully encouraging post. I think you and I are a lot alike. :-) Well, except I am a few years younger and only have 2 boys (so far)… :-)
Tabitha says
What a fun getaway Laura!
I couldn’t agree more with you that the Lord always knows what we need and when we listen we are super blessed!
Thank you for sharing your family time with all of us! I’m glad you had a great time with your family!
Amy says
What a fun trip! So glad all of you could go!
Tyanne says
We have many friends in St. Louis, so my heart would jump at an opportunity to visit! Glad you had a great time with your family!
Gertrude Nonterah says
God indeed knows what we need much more than we do ! God bless you.
Lori Waugh says
What a fun get-away for your family! I always think it’s a treat to just ride in the car on a trip, then no dishes/laundry at a hotel is an extra bonus!
Abby at Foodiesaurus Rex says
Thank you for hosting! I want to bless others but when asked am I up for the challenge?
Emily says
I’m really glad we don’t even need to worry about what we need if we’re living God’s commandment, because he’ll take care of us :)
Jamie says
Looks like a great trip!! Glad everyone had a nice time!
Our used-when-we-bought-it-7-years-ago dryer had pretty much stopped working properly. My husband had fixed it but repairs were more expensive than what we paid for the silly thing. We are expecting a new baby in a few weeks and weren’t prepared to buy a brand new dryer. My husband was at work last night and a coworker was selling his dryer for $100, in great condition. His washing machine took a nosedive and he bought the set b/c “it was a better deal.” My heart almost skipped a beat at the thought a new dryer that won’t mildew all of our clothes before they dry! I was very thankful!
Jessica says
We live about 25 minutes out of the city of St. Louis. :)
Elise Daly Parker says
Yes, God does always know what we need. And though we may hesitate or not recognize the promptings of the Holy Spirit, it’s oh so good when we listen. Your weekend sounds like a wonderful family time. From a mama who is sending her last child out the door to college next year, family time is precious time and you’ll never regret it when you choose it!!
Rebekah says
New visitor here! Thanks for the linkup opportunity!
Charlotte Moore says
Wonderful!! So glad it was a family trip after all.
Anna says
Isn’t it nice when God steps in and says it’s ok to take a break? :-)