I got the chance to go to a retreat (ladies only!) this weekend. It is always hard to leave the kids. First, I have rarely EVER left Blake overnight (two other times, and one was a time I was so sick I didn't know where I was, much less that he was gone with his Mimi!). I miss the other kids when we are apart, but I am used to them spending the night with grandparents, friends, etc, from time to time, so it's not the same as it is with Blake. However, I knew that I would be refreshed, and that my husband and children would benefit from me being blessed at the retreat :) Finances are also always an issue, but I just felt like it was worth the splurge. Then the issue that my house would probably be a wreck when I returned, loomed over me. But, I decided that it was worth it...I just got it in my mind that I'd probably have a mess to tend to when I returned...and I did, but not too bad.
There were too many amazing moments to go into detail about all of them. Not only was the spiritual growth/refreshment completely amazing, but just the fellowship with other women was just awesome! Several hours of uninterrupted conversations with friends, new and old. It was so perfect! I came away with a lot, but the two main things were this...I am so thankful for friends that "get me"...the other thing, was the reminder of how awesome our God is. It is such a freeing feeling to know that nothing on this earth will ever satisfy us, only God can satisfy. It's freeing because it gives us the "go ahead" to stop chasing after all the "crap." The bigger house, nicer car, significant other, another baby, handbags, cute shoes, even good food...yeah, some of it is great, some of it God allows us to be blessed with...but none of it truly satisfies us. You will always want something else. Only God satisfies.
I am thankful to my husband, mother, etc...for caring for the kids while I was away. I am thankful for the ladies that worked so hard to put the retreat together. I am thankful for the friends I rode with and roomed with. God let it work out perfectly, down to the last detail, for me. He knew just what I needed.
If any of you get the chance to do something like that, go for it! You will be blessed :) And by you being blessed, you will be able to bless others :)
