hunting widow time...

As many of you know, my husband and sons are hunters, so this weekend through Tuesday I will be a "hunting widow".  When the kids were small, my hubbie would take off and leave me home with the kids.  This used to stress me out because he and I parent together, and without him it was very labor intensive.  (My heart is going out to all single parent right now...) But as the kids got older, he began to take them along with him, and I slowly came to see the real beauty behind hunting season. I should say that I miss them and that I hate for them to be gone for 4 days, but over the years, I have come to love these few days alone :)  If that makes me bad, than so be it!  What I adore about these "hunting widow" days is the absolute freedom.  I can shop, eat cereal for dinner, watch chick flicks & excessive amounts of HGTV, crank my favorite "Hillsong" CD and dance, read the Word in peace & quiet w/o having to get up at 5am to do so,and sleep in the middle of the bed.  As a mommy and wife, I often end up putting myself and my own needs last.  I don't mean to neglect myself, but the reality is I do...just like many of you.  When I really need 15 minutes of quiet time, I end up folding clothes and helping my youngest, Aaron with his math.  When I could really use a few minutes to get myself prepared for the next day, I end up working on a science project with my son Sam. When I seriously just need to get to sleep early, my hubbie needs...well you know. ;)  I always seem to put everyone else first.  That is why I think  these"hunting widow" days are the best.  I can re-group, relax, focus on what I need and not fell a bit guilty about neglecting anyone!  It is really a brilliant thing. I love how God can bless us in so many different ways!  Sometime we have to look carefully to see Him working. Even in the little things...He is thinking of us.  To the outside world, it looks like just another "guys weekend", but to me it looks like God blessing me with some much needed "alone time".  Let's face it, most of us do not take enough time to ourselves.  We are constantly looking out for the needs of others.  This weekend, if you find yourself a "hunting widow", take a minute to thank God for the time alone.