It has been over a week now since we returned from a much needed camping trip on The North Shore. This weekend was filled with a lot of activity and joy, but I have been reflecting a lot about why I always feel like I am "home" in this environment. Here is what I came up with:Friends-Walking into The Andersons, I always plop down on the chair and futon and say to Heidi, "It feels so good to be home!" Besides being their nanny and living there through my job, there is just something about sharing a bowl of chili at the table, with the window cracked while catching up on 3 months of life together...listening, asking, laughing...as though we haven't missed a beat. When we visit Gram there is nothing more that screams "HOME!" to me than when we embrace after a few months. It is the warmest, most intentional and loving embrace I ever experience. No matter what we do while together, it always starts in this way...my/our time with her is like no other...the love we all feel from her is pure love straight from her heart that often almost takes my breath away.
God-Through creation/nature is where I feel closest to God. I am in awe, wonder and amazement when I look around and think about how all of this came to be. I think it is the one thing I give myself permission to try and NOT figure out. Being in this environment makes me realize how much bigger all of this is compared to me and that also translates to God-how much bigger He is than I sometimes realize. I feel like I am in God's "home" when I am hiking the SHT or taking in a sunrise with Brevin.
Un-Plugging-I feel at "home" without my cell, computer or tv (I know, surprising isn't it?) Without these distractions, it makes me reflect on my relationships and how much I truly miss out on in the daily grind. From the day to day, I know Heath is a pretty awesome dad, but being here without distraction really allows me to observe just how awesome of a dad he is. To watch him give direction, explore, give more direction and have fun showing this world to Brevin was priceless and confirmation that he is on the right track to achieving one of his life goals: To be the best dad possible.
People-Sharing this weekend in friendship with The Carstens was just great! I also enjoy the people we come across in these environments, whether in line for the shower, on the hiking trail or in conversation about selling a camper...this is when I feel at "home" in meeting people, hearing their stories and making connections.
As we drove home, I was quite emotional about returning to The Cities, work and responsibilities. This has come in waves over the years since we have moved away...in reflection as well, I have wondered...do our family and friends have a "home?" A place they can un-plug, stop the distractions and feel the way I do. If so, where is it? And why? I am interested in your story, where you re-charge and how it makes you feel. 
2 comments:
I think it's only natural to yearn for something that has so many great memories for you and Heath as well....kinda like "running away",
I can understand because that's how going to my parents was,my moms Sunday dinner on a moments notice, a comforting touch like no other, having a cup of coffee while little ones played beneath, no google but just plain old fashioned advice and the wisdom that came with it, listening and asking and sharing, having a central location to gather with family, smells of home. These things are only a memory for me of some twenty years. Now as I approach my mothers age when she was enjoying life to the fullest I hang on real tight to the old and embrace the new.
I am so glad you were able to get away and take in God's beauty. It is amazing isn't it? How it can make you feel so small. I love the photo by the way.
I never felt like I needed to get away until after Kaylee was born. We had so much going on my head was spinning. I love camping for that reason, it helps me to get away and clear my head! If I can't get away I never hesitate to hop in the tub with the radio on blocking out any calls for Mommy coming from the next room.
I could go on forever about my "me" time but that about sums it up.
Beautiful post!!
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