I just got back from a belated anniversary getaway with Angie. At first when she told me we were going to Gatlinburg, TN I thought, "oh great. Sounds like a blast." She was so excited and convinced me to go and try to have fun. I learned some valuable lessons on this brief time away. Here are just a few:
The Great Smokey Mountains are breathtaking! Angie insisted that we pull over on the Blue Ridge Parkway and take a gander at the view. I can't count how many times I've done this, but this time was different. When you stop and actually take in the majesty of the mountains it is unbelievable. And this is just a slice of what's out there. 3 hours away and you can bask in a world of grandeur.
Time away from the chaos is invaluable. It's really hard for me to take even a day away, much less 4. I wish I could be more laid back, but it's not easy. However, anytime I do take the time I realize how much I needed it. We can get so caught up in meaningless, trivial things or even important things that we think can't wait and miss out on some great memories. This trip made me realize that things can wait, and things will be fine while I'm away - so go. I came back a better, more relaxed man.
My kids are so responsible! Angie and I decided to farm our 2 youngest out to grandparents and let the older two stay at home alone. Brianna is 17 and could handle a few days on her own. Despite a few incidents from Crazy Lexi (our boxer puppy) they handled things great. The laundry was done, the house was clean and we enjoyed a family reunion when we got back in town. I am blessed to have such awesome kids and being away made me realize it more.
My wife is my best friend - and she's a free spirit. From the minute we left Indian Trail, Angie wanted us to have fun - the type of fun we had back in the 80's. She even bought me cd's of Eddie Money, Lionel Richie and Kenny Loggins for our anniversary. The type of fun we enjoyed together was simple - walking through Gatlinburg studying people, trying crazy hot sauces from a place called "Pepper Palace" (which I almost died from a horseradish called "Nasal Napalm"), daring me to take a helicopter ride or ride a monster truck in Sevierville, rummaging through stones and antiques at remote shops in the country, eating footlong corn dogs at Fannie Farkels...I realized that life with Angie isn't that complicated. But it took slowing down long enough to recognize and appreciate the gift she is to me.
God will take care of the church. It's especially hard for me to be away on a Sunday without worrying that things will go smooth. I have come to realize that this is not my church, but God's and He will protect His bride. I am fortunate to have an awesome staff that can carry the load while I'm away. I am especially grateful for Denise as she insisted that I go, and for Mark as he rocked the house on Sunday. I have learned that WCC was not my plan, but God's from the get go, and His plans are big. I'm standing on this promise: "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (phillipians 1:6) I can't work myself to misery hoping this church will survive. This time away was God's way of giving me rest and putting important things in perspective.
So now it's back to reality. School starts next week and a new season is approaching. I'm back and ready to face new challenges. Thank you for the time away. Thank you, God, for small lessons in life - for the Cause!
Blake