I enjoy getting on an airplane about as much as I enjoy my weekly trip to the grocery store or going to the dentist.  In other words, it makes the top of the list of my least favorite things to do.  However, those airplane rides are a means to an end of doing what I love, what I feel called to do– sharing with others about the goodness of the Lord in my life and the lives of those around me.  So, long security lines, no leg room, and bad coffee are a necessary evil.

Traveling is a regular part of what I do and the thing that makes it most difficult is leaving my family. I began traveling when Madi was just a baby and Jake wasn’t much older.  Brian has always been wonderful.  He made sure that things were taken care right down to taking lessons from me on the perfect “tight ponytail”!  As the kids have gotten older it’s missing games, concerts, or looking over homework that upset me most when missed.

I wish there was a pause button for life.

I know that many of you travel often and are separated from your families.  Though it isn’t easy and though engagements look much more manageable on the calendar than actually living them, there are some things that help to make the necessary travel manageable to this momma’s emotions:

• I try to get myself situated and ready to go days prior to leaving. If I need to run a few errands in preparation, I do them well in advance.  I like to reserve the day before I leave for taking care of the needs of my family.  I look at the calendar and make sure that the kids are set for that week of school.  I make sure to have groceries that will be easy for the kids to fix lunches and for Brian to handle dinner.  It makes me feel much less scattered and frustrated as I prepare to be out for a few days.
• This one may sound silly but it has made things so much easier particularly for my daughter and me: I try to leave in the morning after getting the kids off school.  It doesn’t always work out, but when possible, I prioritize this. There is something about being able to tell them goodbye that makes everyone feel more at ease.  I don’t like leaving in the dark while everyone else is sleeping and they don’t like getting up and around without me there.  Simple, but it helps.
• I have also made it a practice to take one of the children or Brian with me on trips when possible. We have made many memories and those quick trips have become special one-on-one times together.
• Finally, I love notes.  I leave them for my family and they leave them for me.  When Madi was a very little girl, every time I went out of town, I would find a picture of she and I tucked in my purse or suitcase–brought tears to my eyes every single time.  Leaving love notes is a wonderful way to stay connected.

I may never enjoy airplanes or being away from my family, but if I am intentional in preparing for those times, it can make all the difference.  My family believes that the sacrifices we make are worth it if we can continue to point people to Him.  It is certainly a team effort.

My love,