I love mornings. Especially when I get to sleep in- seems like a forbidden luxury these days. There’s nothing better than waking up just because your body intuitively knows that its had enough sleep. The past three days have been sweet bliss… long over due nourishment for my soul.

We planned to meet some friends for a two night vacay in San Antonio, but because of the impending DFW ice storm, it turned into three nights!! We left a day early to beat the storm and although I was nervous driving in the freezing drizzle, it was worth the rush.

We drove about three-quarters of the way before we found a hotel in San Marcos called Country Inn & Suites and let me just say, wow! If you’ve never stayed with this chain, you should!! We took full advantage of their amenities. After sleeping 9 glorious hours, we awoke only because we wanted to! Upon finishing our complimentary hot breakfast, we then decided to take a dip in their indoor, heated pool and hot tub!

Let me just stop and say if this was the only night away from home, it would’ve been more than enough!

But with no schedule to stick to, we decided to hit up some outlet-shopping before driving into San Antonio. We met our good friends the Robinsons, got some burgers at Chris Madrids, and then drove to the Marriott where they had booked a two bedroom suite.

To make a long story short, we had the best weekend ever. Every day we slept in, had breakfast & then romped around San Antonio. We did everything from the Alamo to wine tastings to trying as many restaurants as the buttons on our pants would allow. Sometimes we went with our friends and other times it was just Kevin and I.

At the risk of sounding cheesy, we enjoyed each other immensely. Without giving any unwanted detail, it was like a second honeymoon. It’s funny because I majored in counseling so I know the importance of getting away with my spouse. I know the importance of making sure I’m rested and recharged. I know the importance of “me” time. But even with all my knowledge I did not realize how desperately I needed that time away until we actually took it.

Isn’t it funny how we know things? We know we desperately need to take care of ourselves but we don’t make it a priority? Knowledge without application is pointless.

Is anyone else as stubborn as me? I’ve known for a long time that I’ve been drowning in desperation…and yet, I’ve turned down many offers for help. Sounds so stupid doesn’t it? And you want to know my reason for turning down that help? I don’t like to inconvenience anyone.

How ridiculous is that?! I’m not going to ask for the help I so desperately need because I’m worried about inconveniencing others?! ? Pretty certain God knew I was going to be this stubborn so He had to breathe scripture like Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Again, even my knowledge of this verse is pointless if I’m not applying it to my life!!

I guess the lesson I am sharing here is that you should let others love you. I don’t know what you’re going through but I do know there are people out there willing to share your load. If I took anything away from this weekend (other than my cumulative 30 hours of sleep!) it’s that we need a break from the trials of life and its ok to ask others for the help to do so.

Like most things in life, we have to move past simply knowing and learn to apply what we know. That’s what I finally did this weekend & because of it, three major things that happened:
1. My love grew even more for my husband.- He has always been wonderful, but this time alone reignited us in a big way.
2. My heart longs to see my kids.-This sounds insensitive but my heart has been hard towards them because I’ve poured out all I have to give. This weekend has filled me up and I now have more to give again.
3. My soul has been convicted and made right with God.-I’ve been just as frustrated with God because of my sleeplessness and yet it’s been within my power all along to ask for the help I need. He’s faithfully realigned my perspective and filled my cup.

This gift of a weekend would not have been possible without the love of those who chose to share our load:
The Robinsons- thanks for inviting us down and loving on us. Your friendship means so much to us & we love you.
My mom, dad, sister& mother-in-law- thanks for braving the ice storm with an infant who can’t sleep and a 4 year old who needs your constant attention. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated & has not gone unnoticed.
Jesus- praise be unto You for your forgiveness and mercy- I can only imagine how I must have looked like a toddler these past months- throwing tantrums and tears. Thanks for loving me despite my flaws. I’d also like to say thanks for the ice storm- the extra day of vacation was a very nice touch!!

Thanks to everyone else for your love and prayers. Your encouragement throughout our journey means more to me than I can adequately convey! I hope you’ll join me in allowing others to love you and carry your load. Amazing things happen when apply what we know.

Blessings to all on this beautiful and cold Sunday!