So Quiet So Quick

This morning I woke up early to take my wife and children to the airport.  They are on their way home as I type these words.  Needless to say, I hate saying goodbye to them for any length of time.  Even for a road-trip.  But I am excited for their opportunity to go home and visit with family and friends.  To sleep in their own home beds and play on their swing-set and get ready for Christmas and a host of other things.  I know it will be a great trip.

In coming back to my apartment, however, one thing has struck me more than anything else, even more than how much I will miss them (Lord willing, I will see them in 10 or so days anyhow!).  Namely, how quiet this apartment is and how little I like it!

To most folks that might not seem like a big deal, but to those who know me well, that might come as something of a surprise.  For those who know me well know that I have always liked some serious quiet time to myself.  Time to read and reflect and pray.  And read some more.  Or watch some TV.  Or whatever.  Erin and I often joke about the first years of our marriage when she would wonder whether or not I really liked to hang out with her!  (Looking back, however, we spent all sorts of hours together, especially compared to now!)

Something has shifted.  My preferences have changed.  Over the past 5 years, I have learned not simply to live with the hustle and bustle that comes with being married with young children, but have really come to enjoy it and miss it when it is not here.  Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy my quiet time.  I often (graciously) lock our littlest one out of my room for my morning Bible time and prayer!  But I see now that I have come to better embrace the rhythm between the quiet moments and the active hours.  Between the private and the public.  And for that I give thanks.

Also, I also can’t help but give thanks for times like these because there are certainly times when I feel a bit worn out.  Not sure if I have the energy to play another game of one-on-one or to do a little craft or administer discipline.  Time away brings perspective and enables you to embrace those moments when they come again.  Lord willing, very soon.