I love flying. I used to fly over the ocean a few times a year, back and forth from my home in the Philippines. Just entering the airport filled me with such excitement and anticipation for what was to come when I touched down on my beloved islands.
I’ve been stateside for awhile now, but (among so many other things) I still miss the flying. The free-fall into a new country and culture, not knowing what would happen but trusting God all the way. I miss that feeling, that adventure on the plane. All the dips, the dives and turbulence that always made me laugh, I miss the hours of quiet, to think and wonder at the trip that was before me.
I certainly do not have the quiet now. Nor do I have the altitude, but I know I can still find that excitement inside me. My days are so different now, but also very much the same. I’ve traveled across oceans and I’ve seen both beautiful and horrific things (here and over there)…and now I’m here.
Now I sit with my children in their mini tent and I spin in circles with them as they laugh. I feed them frozen veggies because that’s the only way they’ll eat them, and I sing “the muffin man song” 10 times a day. It’s a different kind of exhilarating, but it’s my joy. It’s still that beautiful anticipation for what will happen next. Sometimes what comes is another mess to clean or the next ouchie to kiss…but sometimes, just sometimes… it’s a question about God and a simple prayer with my 3 year old or a sweet song of “tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.” It’s a different kind of excitement, but it’s there none the less.
I may not fly over oceans today, but my heart soars as I see God moving in their hearts, and in my life.
I can still fly.
Linked up with Lisa Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday. 5 minutes to write on a one word prompt (fly) no editing, or backtracking. Join all the fun here!
Chandra Hadfield says
Yes, this is the beauty of motherhood. My heart soars as I see God moving in my children’s hearts as well. This was a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing.
Katie Clark says
Motherhood is my joy too and I agree, it is exhilarating. Thank you for sharing through Five Minute Friday; I love reading what everyone writes!
Lori Poppinga says
So very true…grab the excitement your living in. We can fly anywhere and that’s the key…to look for the opportunity.
Great reminder.
Mia says
Hi Paula
This is so true! Raising children is a different kind of “flying”. It takes just as much courage as flying and sometimes even more patience! Still, I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Blessings XX
Mia
Paula says
agreed! :)
Chelsea says
Paula, I just discovered your blog through a google search on how to write a creative Christmas letter. Thanks for the good advice. I was then turned over to Five Minute Friday! My post is up and I think I’m going to be a regular, haha. Thanks for writing and sharing, you do a great job!
Paula says
awww I’m so glad you are here! Just read your 5 minute post. great job! :)
Anita Ojeda says
Isn’t it wonderful that God allows us to spend solo much time with little human beings and watch them develop a love for HIM? Enjoy your flight (they’ll be leaving the nest before you can blink!). Cheering you on from FMF!