Sunday, October 23, 2011

Freedom

A couple of weeks ago, Darby went to a week-long conference. I'm happy that he gets the opportunity to go on trips like that, but I really don't like him being gone. However, I know that moping about it won't help, so I try to look on the bright side when he's gone. I can wake up whenever I want; I can watch whatever I want on TV; I can decide on a whim to go out to dinner with friends, etc., etc. But, even with all of my little pep talks, I still just feel kind of blah when Darby's gone.

I kept asking myself, "Why can't I just enjoy not having to think about anyone but myself for a week?" And then, one day, as I was walking home from the bus stop, feeling mopey that no one would be there to greet me, it hit me. The flip side to not having to think about anyone but myself is that no one's thinking about me. And to me, that about sums up why the benefits of marriage far outweigh any loss of freedom. Sure, there are probably some things I gave up by marrying young. But I can't even begin to explain all of the things I've gained. I have someone at home who cares where I am, who makes sacrifices for me, who is on my team no matter what.

So, I'll still try to make the best of my alone time in the future. But I also won't be so hard on myself when I find that I much prefer interdependence to freedom.

4 comments:

Kalyn Gensic said...

When BJ starts his doctoral program, he will be gone two weeks at a time twice a year for two years. I dread it horribly. I'm already planning on Shepherd and I spending those weeks traveling to see family so that I don't have to face a BJ-less house. I'm not ashamed. I figure there are far worse things that feeling attached to your husband, right?

Mary Kay said...

I think that is AS it should be...I am glad to hear you miss her terribly when he is gone. I love it that you two have such a precious marriage and that you really enjoy each other! :) Love you girl

Mary Kay said...
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Jenn said...

This is so beautifully written, and a WONDERFUL reminder for us all. Thank you for sharing your heart!