This post is part of the Five Minute Friday link up. We write for just 5 minutes on a one-word prompt with no heavy editing. Today’s prompt is “escape.”
In a few days my family is escaping still-hot Orlando and heading to the mountains of North Carolina. My daughter’s golden birthday (turning 21 on the 21st) became a good excuse to get away as just the 5 of us. It’s been a long time since that’s happened. The last time we all went anywhere together for a few days was my 60th birthday, almost 2 years ago. But we had my eldest’s son and my husband’s mother with us that time.
This time, it’s just us.
None of my kids are married, and my son shares custody of our grandson, so it was fairly easy to make arrangements to go. A couple of missed shifts at work will be a bit of a financial hit, but both my working sons didn’t want to miss the opportunity.
Every once in a while, you just need an escape. If you have the financial means—and we’re very grateful we do at this point in our lives—getting away can be soul-saving.
We’ve been dealing with a lot of loss the past several years. From my father-in-law’s sudden passing 2 years ago, to close friends moving far away, to the sudden resignation of our lead pastor that threw our beloved church into turmoil, to many little stressors in between, we’ve been wrecked.
The mountains are calling, and we must go.
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Compelled 
May you all have a wonderful time together as you escape 🙂
Thank you! We’re so looking forward to it.
So glad you all can do this together, Stephanie. Praying it restores and renews you all.
Thank you, Lorna! I’m guessing we won’t be ready to be home after just a few days in the mountains!
Sometimes you gotta get away,
cut the traces, and run free
to greet a new and foreign day,
and learn again just how to be
the rock and sturdy cornerstone
of your town and chosen church.
Bleed yourself unto the bone,
and you will leave both in the lurch,
knowing part of you is gone
but not knowing where it went,
because the dude they counted on
has worked himself until he’s spent,
and his sad ultimate fate
will be to serve as paperweight.
Thanks, Andrew! You got it right for sure.
I pray you have a bless time! FMF #10
Thank you! We just booked a 2-hour trail ride during our time. 😊
I love this! I am originally from the foothills of NC, and that is a great place to go!! I love your pictures too. We have traveled to some of the same places as a family, and taken pictures of the kids growing. Blessings to you and your family.
Aww, thank you, Beth! My husband is from the area as well.
Hope you have a wonderful, refreshing family time together in the mountains. Bless you all.
Thank you! So nice to be out of the heat!
enjoy full well your escape away! May it be a bit cooler for you! FMF15
Thank you! I’ve already had to wear a sweatshirt!