I blame my blogger absence on the fact that we spent a week at a beautiful 350 acre guest ranch with my family.
It was the best choice for a family vacation! There was horseback riding, canoeing, rock climbing, and dessert at every meal. It doesn't get better than that!
This week I am back to washing laundry, cooking our own food (no desserts), and of course getting my kids back on schedule (Praise the Lord for predictable sleep patterns!!!).
Usually when we come home from vacation, I am ready to go again in just a few days. I am far from a homebody by nature. I get a small bite of adventure, and I just want more.
This time is different though. Having small children makes traveling exhausting. They require so much more stuff and more work and more time, and let's face it, that usually means less fun.
I think Proverbs 14:4 says it best.
Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.My life would be much simpler without my little oxen. I would have the freedom to travel like I did before I had children. My manger wouldn't have stinky fingerprints everywhere or dirty diapers piling up on the washer. I wouldn't be tied down to these little creatures that need my constant time and attention.
But I would also miss out on the abundance that comes by the strength of the ox. Children bring so many blessings into our lives!
They bring joy to our hearts through their sweet kisses and mischievous smiles, and prayerfully, one day they will bless us by giving their hearts to the Lord. What a great reward for any parent!
I even hold out hope that scripture is true when it says that children will be our help and our provision in our old age. Those arrows in Psalm 127 aren't just for decoration! They are meant to be nurtured and trained so they can aid their family in the work of the Lord.
My little oxen may be a lot of work, but they are worth the mess, the time, and the love they require.
Just don't ask me to take them on vacation again anytime soon!
This post may be linked up at
My Pregnancy Journal/ The Modest Mom/Mommy Moments/The Better Mom/ Growing Home/Road to 31/Raising Mighty Arrow/ Far Above Rubies/ Raising Homemakers/ Raising Arrows/ Walking Redeemed
Sounds like a fun vacation!
ReplyDeleteWhenever we come back from a trip that disrupts our normal daily schedule (even if it was just a couple of days), I always plan a more relaxed schedule. It takes my children (and sometimes me!) some time to get off the vacation mode and back to normal mode. It actually all works out because it gives me time to unpack and do laundry since we haven't adopted our "normal" schedule yet. :-)
That's great advice! There is always one or two days where I have to be a little more relaxed with the kids. It's a hard transition for them too!
DeleteAmen! You have the right perspective! This was pleasant to read and may more parents realize the blessings they have in their children, even if there is more of a mess. Thank the Lord for the mess.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had such a good vacation. A few years ago we had our guest house at a horse farm. We went with our daughter and her family so it was similar. We enjoyed so much vacationing with the grandchildren and they were very young then, like yours. Precious memories!
I completely agree! Love this reminder that kids are such a blessing, even in the tedium of the day-to-day, even when you're "missing out" on the things you got to do before kids. I've got a similar post up this week, and I'd love for you to check it out: http://theprincessthepirateandthedinosaur.blogspot.com/2013/06/red-lights.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting!
I love vacation, but often feel like I need a vacation from my vacation! It is definitely tough with little ones, but I enjoy making the memories.
ReplyDeleteYour vacation sounds wonderful!!!! We are outdoor loving people so a visit to a ranch would be awesome! We are headed out next Thursday for a week of vacation and I am already a little weary just thinking about managing my twin 2 year olds while there. :) We'll squeak out plenty of fun and memories and come home completely exhausted and in need of rest! But like you, I wouldn't trade it for the world! Thank you for linking up last week with me at Walking Redeemed!
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