On the surface, Garage Sales and Road Trips do not have a
lot in common other than the potential for complete chaos! Many people would
rather have a root canal than participate in either of these activities. Other people
are just crazy!
Me, I’m on the crazy side…if you wouldn’t have guessed. I’m
a planner and both activities require a lot of planning! Going into the process
I am hopeful. I’m organizing for the sale, researching hotels, mapping out the
best routes, re-arranging visitation schedules and even creating an itinerary. And that’s how I usually start
large projects…with wide eyes, rose-colored glasses and a creepy smile as I
explore all of the possibilities!
My “To Do” list for the next 10 days include both a garage
sale and a big road trip with the family. As I think through all the planning
and organizing needed, reality sets in and it is easy to feel overwhelmed at
all the work. There is a potential, that despite all the effort I put into the
process, something could go wrong. Time slips away faster and faster. And
what’s worse, so does my energy. Red Bull no longer gives me wings and I wonder
if I could pull it off.
In some of my past experiences, it was so easy for me to get
caught up in preparations (to prevent any potential obstacle before it happens)
and not enjoy the process. I start out with all the hope and excitement of a
kid with a new puppy that realizes cleaning up messes is not pleasant. By the
time we would pull out of the driveway to begin our trip, I’d be on the verge
of a nervous breakdown. I would almost wait for a bad look or slight hint of an
attitude from my husband or one of the kids so I could feel justified for being
in a bad mood. The result was that it’s no fun for anyone. I’d have to step
back periodically and remind myself that although these processes can be
overwhelming, the payoff can be something amazing.
This process also reminds me of being a parent and life in
general. It takes a lot of planning and effort. There are obstacles along the
way. We may get overwhelmed with all the preparation at times. But our ultimate
goal is to know that we did something good and to see the results of all of our
hard work. We expect a good outcome for our kids and we want good memories for
them and for us. We love being parents, we love our family and we expect good
things.
So in my preparations this week, I’m going to choose to:
- Focus on the outcome.
- RELAX.
- Anticipate something great to happen for our family.
- Minimize the frustration over any obstacles.
- Enjoy creating memories
Road Trip…36 hours and 22 minutes (minimum) in a van,
filled to capacity…4 teenagers, 2 young kids and a baby. Please PRAY for us!
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