Weekend at home...

We got to the exit on the interstate that takes us to my parents home, and my kids started cheering and exclaiming "We are HOME!!"....My heart swelled with pride that they have a place that they consider to be their home, and at the same time ached with sorrow that the visit was going to be short lived, as we were only there for a weekend. We arrived at my parents' home late Friday night, and it was an instant therapy for my soul to just walk into their door. My children love being with both sets of their grandparents. My husband and I were greatly blessed with parents that have set wonderful examples of what marriage is supposed to be and how to make family important. I have to be honest and say that I sometimes covet the fact that my sisters have my parents within reach at all times, and especially after having that myself for the last 3 years and now to be removed from that setting again makes that nerve a little tender. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband and his commitment to his job and our country, and support that wholeheartedly. I will follow him anywhere and proudly do so. That said, that doesn't mean my heart won't ache for my family back home. Don't take for granted the relationships that are at your disposal. Don't take for granted the love and acceptance that can only come from your family. Don't take for granted the accountability and balance you can get only from your family. Don't take for granted the roots that are buried deep and make the family strong. I love that my kids think of Louisiana as "home" and that they love spending time with their grandparents. They have an abundance of cousins and aunts and uncles that they have been able to establish relationships with that will last a lifetime. We are truly blessed to have the roots that God has given us...I pray that we continue to nourish them wisely.