Pre-Chi-Town

Posted on October 30, 2009

Since we’re expecting our second, my wife and decided to get away for a bit. We narrowed down places we’d like to go and were a bit limited in the time we could go and of course budget. It came down to Boston and Chicago. Both cities I love and you can’t lose with either. We’ve tried (and failed miserably) to get away with Katie and Jimmy (some friends from our old sunday school class- now reside in Chattanooga) years ago and scheduling never seemed to work out. This time we planned better and actually got the ball rolling.
*Side note (actually this turns into a rant)- Jimmy and I are notoriously selective spenders. Ok we’re pretty cheap. BUT we have no problem spending money if it is worth it. We went on a snowboarding trip to Snowshoe almost two years ago and had a blast- only spending about $450 out the door for a long weekend. Half the fun is getting a super value- and sure we don’t mind spending a tad more if it’ll make an actual difference. I guess that is the other part- we both make pretty good money but don’t want to burn it. Also, we’re pretty well aligned when it comes to our faith and values. There are a lot of bonding points between all of us a couples. First our faith, second our family values, third we enjoy the outdoors (in moderation), and we like nice things/experiences. Now this may seem pretty mundane but it truly isn’t. I find it more difficult to find people who want to invest in their family more than their comfort. They, like us, realize sacrificing some income to have our children have full access to their mother is without question the right move. Yes, I said right move. Not a good move or better than others- right. No matter the justification or excuse, parents have a vested interest in their offspring like no one else can. No one. God gave you charge of their upbringing- not a group of random people that make $10/hr and cycle children through like cattle. This is not an intellectual feed lot- it takes prayer, time, energy, and yes- sacrifice. BUT oh the return! It doesn’t matter how much a mom can make in the corporate world- give it up. It’ll pay dividends for the rest of your life. Don’t give me excuses- I don’t like it or it isn’t natural- are you kidding me?! You made a choice that yields a result. Grow up and take responsibility for your God-given role. This doesn’t just apply to moms- I’m fully responsible for my part. When the relationship is honored and balanced as God designed, you’ll reap the reward. I know this all too well. Is it easy? No. We cut coupons and whatever fat we can- heck we haven’t had TV for over a year. Who cares? Sure, some of the readers that know me might say sure it is easy for me- they have no idea our financial situation- they assume. We live in a nice house that is close to town, yadda yadda. I also believe that because we keep our priorities in order God honors that.
I hear all sorts of excuses that you can’t or some are open that they could but choose not to. Really? You just said that out loud. For nothing else it is just plain discouraging. Ok, so we’re very different. And this isn’t a pick this team over that, it is a glimpse into your values. Some can gloss over and say that’s ok- I really can’t. Especially when we claim the same faith- really gets to me. I don’t care at all if you play by a different set of rules- I won’t mentally call you into account- that isn’t fair. If we don’t subscribe to the same worldview then you have to come to your own conclusion. I’m ok with that. Otherwise it just drives a wedge between us- I really struggle. I don’t need people like that in my life. Maybe I should, but the boldness and unashamedly proclaiming selfishness gets under my skin. This isn’t about putting yourself before others this is about putting yourself before your own offspring- boggles my mind. Anyway, really long story short, we don’t have any of those issues with Katie and Jimmy.
So, Chicago it is.

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