I have been counting down the days to Thursday, when I will be able to take a trip out of town. Every year a bunch of women from my church attends a district-wide women’s conference that has been held in a variety of locations. This year it is at the Kalahari Water Park…can you say lazy river?
I have gone most years but there have been some I missed due to conflicts. This year was going to be a particularly special one because it is the first year that my daughter can attend, now that she is a teen.
I remember the early years of going and sharing a room with my best friend. It was always about getting away from the role of wife, mom and housekeeper. It was our chance to take a break, get refreshed and just enjoy a fun time.
When my children were younger I longed for that weekend. But things have definitely done a 180 on me. I have been looking forward to this weekend for months but this time it isn’t to get away from being a mom. It is a chance to really connect with my teen daughter.
I thought it was kind of sad when I was washing my hands in the church bathroom recently and a woman I know asked if I was attending the women’s conference. I said yes and that I was really excited because my daughter was coming with me this year.
She kind of gave me a look, scrunching up her nose, “Oh not me, I need to get away from my daughter.” Now keep in mind our daughters are the same age. I didn’t really know what to say so I just smiled politely.
I thought it was kind of sad. Now that my daughter is able to benefit from the conference, I look at it as our chance to spend some quality time together. I see how fast these years go by, especially once they get to high school and I want to treasure every moment I have.
I really think we need to make the most of every moment we have. I look at this upcoming weekend as a chance to really pour into my daughter. We have a great relationship but I want to see it taken to a new level, an opportunity to really share and talk.
Of course, that lazy river is also calling me…
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