family

God has blessed me.  I am sure you have some of the same.  I got to do some things in the last week or so that I love to do.  Everything from time at the pool, to taking the kids for a special dinner and even an evening that included some shopping.  What I don't really care for is what happened on Wednesday morning.  It is necessary but not much fun.

Late Tuesday I slid into my wife's tan Mercury Sable and drove to the gas station making sure the gas tank was full.  I checked the tires and fluid levels.  Everything was set.  Early the next morning I loaded the truck with four bags, a few pillows, some toys and much needed items from the bathroom like hair straighteners and makeup.  But then came the hard part.

We gathered behind the car.  It was all 6 of us.  My wife, our three children and our precious dachshund Bella.  It was time to pray.  That's what we did.  We prayed their trip would be safe and fun.  We prayed all would be protected.  We hugged and kissed and said good bye.  They piled into the car, set for the 400 plus miles to my wife's south Georgia hometown of Vidalia.  We waved as I watched them drive off and turn the corner.

That day there were text messages and phone calls.  They arrived with no problems and making good time.  The kids even lost track of time when they arrived because their aunt's dog has some cute little puppies (none of which will be coming home with them).  

But I miss my family.  I have heard this statement and even used it: absence makes the heart grow fonder.  I believe it.  Yet what I believe the most is that I am blessed.  

Blessed with a precious wife that I take for granted way too often.  She loves me and puts up with my .... well, you get the picture.  She is a sweet lady that I am proud to have been with for more than 17 years now.

Blessed with a sweet tan and black 7 month old beautiful dachshund.  Last year at this time we were grieving the death of Zeke.  Bella has stolen our hearts as our family pet (don't tell her she is a dog; she thinks she human).

Blessed with the greatest 3 kids in all the world.  And often I miss the things that really matter.  I take them for granted.  They have grown up so fast.  I miss them so much.

The next 7 days won't be easy.  They are going to have fun with my wife's family.  I will accomplish so much and get some much needed rest as we are not in the same location.  But I can't wait for a week from tomorrow when they arrive back in Virginia and with me.

Proverbs 8:31 (NLT) --- And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family!