Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Reconnecting



It's written and true, "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away..." However, the ebb and flow of life's demands can certainly prove to be love's distraction.

I had a meltdown one night last week. With the professor mostly away for five weeks this summer combined with parenting, caring for the baby, school starting, the beginning of fall semester on campus {always a busy time}, and church obligations we were physically and emotionally exhausted.

"I feel as though we grunt out the same conversations to each other every morning and every evening," I cried. Somewhere, somehow in the midst of life happening we lost sight of us. We weren't enjoying each other and we weren't connecting.

The professor was quick to arrange an evening out for the two of us. Over dinner and conversation we realized afresh how important it is to be intentional about when and how we spend time together. {Frosty, fruity drinks and heart-to-heart talks after the children are asleep works nicely} Afterall, if we don't take care of us how can we properly care for everyone and everything else?

Of most importance, as we reconnect we remember and acknowledge the One who brought us together and on Whom is our foundation. Without His grace upon grace we'll certainly fail.

And so... when we're up every two hours in the night with a sick child, when work and home demands overwhelm us, when Baby is being high maintenance, when the washing machine backs up and overflows, when homework is forgotten {and that's all just in the past 24 hours!} we, by His grace, won't get lost in the flood.

12 comments:

Hi Kooky said...

So very true.

Ann said...

Amen! Start the habit now and it will be established as your life gets busier.

Margo said...

oh girl. I so totally hear you. I was relieved my sweetie and I could still have a conversation when we were alone on our anniversary. It is a skill and so necessary too. Someone once asked Madeleine L'Engle what was the best thing she did for her kids and she said, "love their father." That inspires me.

I hope things smooth out!

Betsy said...

I would have had a meltdown, too!

This was a sweet story. Your professor is wise to arrange a night out. :)

Katherine said...

I hear you! Between everything else that is actively demanding our attention, it is easy to put the quieter essentials of connection on the back burner. But isn't it just amazing how much better we feel when we make the time? I'm saying that as if I do...

Miss G said...

So sorry for a sick kiddo and all of the other trials but so happy that you were able to find a time to reconnect. It is easy to let life slip in as you said and be love's distraction. What a great way of saying that. Praying that your reconnecting continues and that the One who brought you together continues to rejuvenate you! Kelly

Anna said...

Your heart groan is so heard, Christian. I know very well the meltdowns you speak of. I'm quite good at them myself.

And while it is somewhat encouraging to know everyone else gets as harried, exhausted, and just plain overwhelmed ... it doesn't change how hard it is for you. And let's be real. It is hard. Really, really, bone-deep hard.

Bless you my friend as you carve out opportunities to reconnect and refresh. I'll pray they are many in these days to come.

Hugs, hugs, and more hugs.
-A

Beth said...

WELL SAID!

And the photo just IS relaxation :-)

Wanting What I Have said...

I love this post. I love that picture...the glass of wine, the wedding ring, the angle. Thank you for sharing from your heart. We all too often find ourselves in need of time together sans the little ones. I appreciate you "keepin' it real." My heart definitely identifies.

ruth@gracelaced said...

Oh dear friend. What you describe is all too familiar at our house as well. As exhaustion and emotional fatigue is a slow erosion, strength and joy in the journey is one faithful step at a time by his grace. Praying for you with love.

Anonymous said...

meltdowns start the healing flood.

great post.

deb m

Rebecca said...

LOVE this post! Thanks for sharing. I've had my share of nervous breakdowns since becoming a mom of 3. I went from 1 child to 3 in just 6 months (through the miracles of adoption and childbirth) so I was caught off guard!

There is something comforting about knowing you're not the only one struggling with these issues!

I love your blog. Simple and refreshing. :)