vacation.

This week we are vacationing at my in-laws while they are taking their own vacation.

The thought to use their house for our vacation occurred to me around February while I was researching cabins in Virginia. Once we did the math we realized our upcoming trip to NYC for Thanksgiving and Gentlemen of the Road concert weekend (yay!) had already pushed us over our non-existent vacation budget. I realized that house-sitting would be free, close to home and is as beautiful as a cabin in the woods somewhere.

Their 25 acres set back from the road has provided the perfect spot to go fishing and creeking.

Mornings have consisted of fresh hen eggs and biscuits. Afternoons of reading on the porch.

I know that vacation is not a need. However, it feels like we’ve “needed” for months. A chance to get away from our house. From the stresses of living there, the stresses of our jobs and a chance to be in nature.

I didn’t realize how much I missed living in the country. It’s been 10 years since I moved away from Chandlersville, away from my childhood home of 10 hilly acres complete with a “crick”. I finally miss it.

I had forgotten how good it feels to step outside for some fresh air when I’m feeling frustrated. To take a walk without worry of my surroundings.

I don’t know how to balance this desire and love for nature with my love of the city. Metro Parks are beautiful but getting there is work. To step outside your door and immediately be in and one with nature is a wonderful, peaceful feeling.

The first day of vacation Theo kept asking permission to do things. We would send him outside to roam and play and he would immediately come back in wanting us to go out with him. Free play is something that is sadly impossible in our neighborhood. Our yard is not fenced and our neighborhood is not really safe. After a few times of us sending him back outside by himself he finally started to get it. I would see him wandering around outside, going in and out of the tent we put up. Imagining scenarios and playing them out.

In the shower I began to realize that our relationship with God is similar. At first we keep asking God to reassure us that he’s really there. That no matter what, he loves us and desires to be in relationship with us. He reassures us of our lives, of our purpose and we go back out. After a few times of this we become more comfortable with ourselves and of the role that the Spirit plays in our lives and we find ourselves doubting less and living more.