Last Updated on March 21, 2018
How far would you go to improve your marriage and family?
So, how far would you go? How about selling your house to travel around the country in an RV with two toddlers? Does that send chill bumps up and down your spine? It did mine when one of my cousins told me about her lifestyle change this past year.
Emily is an amazing woman. Vibrant, beautiful, social, fashionable, funny, passionate … the life of any party. For the past few years, she lived an active and fulfilling life raising her two little ones. Every day was filled with friends and fun. But something was missing: her husband.
This past year, Emily’s husband took a new job that required a great deal of travel. She adjusted with ease, just as she has with every other change in her life. But last June, she counted up the hours she’d seen her husband — yes, hours, not days — and came up with a short 16. Something needed to change. In Emily’s words, she married a wonderful man. She missed him, her kids missed him, and they needed to find a solution. So, Emily prayed.
She said it came to her in the middle of the night. Sell the house, get rid of almost everything, and buy an RV.
And so they did.
I admire Emily’s courage. Her eyes lit up as she described the adventures they’d had and the freedom that came with getting rid of most of their “stuff.” They spend their time traveling, reading books, seeing fun sights, and not living in a hectic schedule. This was not what Emily envisioned as her dream life, but her flexibility and devotion to her family and the values they share are admirable.
And it has made me think: how far would I go? Would I have Emily’s courage? Would you?
Jennifer Dyer has an M.S. in Communications Disorders, which served her well in her professional career as a speech-language pathologist. Never did she imagine that her education and career were God’s way of preparing her to be a mom to her own daughter with autism. Today, she enjoys reaching out to other families who face similar diagnoses. As a cancer survivor, carpet-cleaning veteran, and originator of the “Messy House Ministry,” Jennifer feels blessed to share joy, peace, and humor with others facing life’s challenges. She is mom to two beautiful daughters and is thankful to be raising them, serving other families with unique needs, and using her gift of writing and speaking to minister to others. Jennifer is also the author of a youth fiction book series and is trusting God with His timing on publication. Jennifer has been a mom for 11 years. She and Brandon have been married for 13 years.
I so resonate with Emily! When my children were very young I realized that even when Daddy was home he didn't seem to be relaxing and "being home" so I had a similar realization, on a MUCH smaller scale. We went out and got a small travel trailer and made the commitment to go camping at least once a month. We even had to tell coaches and friends that once a month, our children were outta there. We got some push back, but they dealt with it and in the long run admired our choice to make family a priority. Moms you really do have to be your own advocate for what's best to keep your family strong. Dare to do the right thing, even if others don't "get it" – you will be glad you did! YOU GO EMILY!!!