v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n

Defined: Aperiod of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday
Freedom or release from duty, business, or activity.

Next week will be a challenge. Next week is different from the norm. What some people anticipate every year and have no problem doing, may be the biggest challenge of 07 for me. (Ok, that's probably an exageration.) Next week is a vacation. A real one. As in: no kids. As in: "Freedom from duty, business, or activity." What's weird: I struggle to relax. My mind has a hard time slowing down. In our 7 years of marriage, Dana and I have had very few true vacations. (By this point in the post you may be screaming at your screen saying, "Are you crazy, just go! relax! I'd love a vacation right now! Shut up. Stop thinking about it and just go!") I hear your pleas of common sense. I yell the same thing at myself.

So, my prayer is that instead of listing out all the things I have to do when I get back, that instead I'll take time to reflect on God's goodness. His grace. His patience. His passionate pursuit of us all! His ultimate plan. I hope to come back re-energized and fresh. I hope this time strengthens my relationship with Dana. But, no pressure on these things, eh? I definitely will sleep in past 6am...at least once.

I'm coming around. I'm seeing the HUGE importance of taking time off. It has much spiritual significance. This "freedom," if only for a week, is now highly anticipated.

Look for pics and a new post in a week & 1/2.