Last Saturday found four moms taking a day off from being moms. We opted for a touristy area, so we could just wander and browse. To wander into each and every store without worrying about breakable things and room for strollers.
It was perfect; the weather, the company, the stores and the coffee.
We entered tacky Christmas stores, fun hat shops, jewelry stores. We drank Starbucks and we escaped. From the business of life, from little kids and constant housekeeping, from the balance of jobs and commitments and families, and we found ourselves walking along streets like this, arm in arm. I couldn't help but wonder if anyone could have guessed that there are now 10 children between us?
Spouses were left to fend for themselves, for mealtimes, bath-times, nap-times and bedtimes. I got a text from Drew at lunch telling me that they were "doing awesome and enjoy your day". He knows me well.
It has been years since I've done this and I realized that even though its difficult to sometimes step back from the mommy world, it really is important. The stresses of day to day life melted off with each hour that we browsed and chatted. With no little ones distracting us. There were no noses to be cleaned and no stores to be avoided for fear of little hands touching. As much as I love being a mom, sometimes its nice to escape.
To spend time cultivating those friendships. To eat lunch and dinner together, to sip coffee and walk arm in arm. To be reminded that even though we have families, we are still young and full of life. To encourage one another in faith and marriage. To laugh at how ridiculous I look in hats and headbands:) To just be girlfriends for a day, away from the constant demands and distractions that comes with having little ones.
I came home feeling relaxed and re-energized. Ready to tackle the jobs that before seemed daunting.
Sometimes it doesn't have to be a weekend getaway, or a holiday, sometimes the break is more in the people you are with than in the places that you go.
Linds- I completely agree! With each hour, I felt more like a young person, rather than tired and exhausted! It was so wonderful to do and I came home SOOO rejuvenated, refreshed and happy! so glad for wonderful friends!
ReplyDeleteDitto! It was an amazing day, one that MUST be repeated in due time!! I love you girls so much!! xo R
ReplyDeleteThose are the best kind of days...and are always needed when you are with kids 24/7.
ReplyDeleteNow THAT sounds like fun! This coming from the girl whose idea of a good time is going to the grocery store by herself... HA!
ReplyDeleteloved that day...cant wait to do a yearly repeat!!
ReplyDeleteSteff