I stroll through these woods, the ones that sit next to my home address of eighteen years. Memories peek like light through the trees, and I see snippets of sisters and cousins looking for wild flowers and play-acting scenes from The Sound of Music and North and South.
We had diverse movie interests, if not always appropriate.
We managed to squeeze in a visit to Oklahoma after the tornadoes {and return to Colorado after the fires}. My family and David’s family live about two hours apart, so when we visit one family, we visit both.
I haven’t lived in Oklahoma for eighteen years, so going back now is like watching a favorite movie. Parts of the movie I don’t enjoy (like being in the car a lot), but the hard parts don’t keep me away. I ache to spend time with my favorite characters, breathing in their funny and endearing human parts that make watching always worth it.
My kids have a lifestyle 180 degrees from mine, and sometimes I regret this. But then I remember that tall growth doesn’t just come from deep roots. It comes from a favorable environment, one where things are tended to and loved on and nurtured. My childhood home gave me this, and our current home gives them this.
Whatever your family’s lifestyle, sometimes it takes a trip home to be reminded that He’s got you right where you’re supposed to be.
Tell me about your summer. Where are you spending vacation?
Note: Next week we will resume our out of the blue link-up. More specifics to come this Friday.
So good to hear from you Kristin! You’ve been missed. Beautiful words as always! I’m counting down the days until we head to San Diego to spend time with my oldest son and his wife. It’s been far too long since we’ve been together. Can’t wait to read what next week’s Out of the Blue prompt is. Much love, Beth
So good to see your face again, friend. Much love!
so beautiful, Kristen. your words are a breath of fresh air this afternoon. thank you.
Kristen,
My family is from the hills and mountains of western PA and WV. My mom and I, both, have been missing the mountains we grew up with so we will be heading to the mountains in western NC for vacation later this summer. Though it is not “home”, I long to walk in the woods, hike by waterfalls and enjoy the grandeur of the mountains God created. You can take the girl out of the mountains but…you know the rest. So glad you are enjoying time with your family and visiting your roots!
Love and blessings,
Bev
Beautifully written, Kristin. You made me feel it along with you… 🙂 Happy you had such a great visit…and that lovely truth whispered to your heart…
Home ALWAYS does these same sorts of things to me, too. 🙂
I love this because I get this. Lovely pictures too!
Such beautiful photos! The one with the older gentleman made me smile. Family time is so special!
We are actually heading out on our big trip this evening! My husband has accepted a job position on the other side of the country & tomorrow we say good-bye to the east coast. We are excited for this adventure & will be within a day’s driving distance from my family!
Thank you, Heather! That photo is of my daddy and me.
Praying for you right now as you as you head West. So exciting!
We’ll be spending our summer making a new home. 🙂 We’re selling our first house and moving in with my husband’s parents (they are graciously letting us take over their huge basement while we wait for the right house to purchase next). Some might see this as taking a step backward, but we don’t. We’re excited actually! We are so grateful we have this option instead of being rushed into buying a house that isn’t right for us. We really desire to be wise with our finances and have completely committed this process to God and this is the answer He gave us for now.
We were talking a couple of weeks about about what makes a Dream House. I have come to realize something – my Dream House is not granite countertops and a five-piece master bath. My Dream House is wherever my husband and two darling children are. Wherever they are…that’s home.
“Wherever they are…that’s home.” Yes and amen.
Beautiful pictures. How wonderful!
Monica
http://happyandblessedhome.com