Mela Kamin – 4:10 Ministries

Gus (5), Dazzle (10) & Ace (7)

I’m leaving tomorrow for Nashville.

It’s never easy to leave home, especially since I have three kids. When I tell people I’m leaving, I sometimes get the “you-sure-you-should-be-doing-this? look.” It’s not always and maybe some if it is in my mind, but if the tables were turned and it was my husband leaving, no one would care. In fact, he’s been away on a couple trips lately of almost a week each and no one batted an eye.

But, I’m a Mom and this is different . . . or is it?

For the record, I’m not leaving last-minute and with details up in the air.

• This trip has been planned and budgeted.
• My husband and his parents will be caring for our kids while I’m gone.
• I will call every night to sing them their blessing.
• I laid out clothes for my boys – not because my husband isn’t capable, but because it’s something I can do for them.
• I wrote out the daily schedule, including meetings, activities, piano lessons, when my daughter needs to pack a lunch, etc.
• I left their medical cards and the EpiPens for my youngest.

Will my kids miss me when I’m gone? I hope so. I’m sure they will. And, I will miss their faces and their hugs. But, this isn’t about me LEAVING – it’s about me GOING – going and doing something that I feel called to do. I try to encourage other people to use their gifts and this is one way in which I use mine. I’ll get to explore new songs and spend time with some amazing Christian friends.

I’ll work on music for a few days with my friend, co-writer & Producer, Carl Herrgesell. Toward the end of the week, I’ll attend Blissdom with Chris Ann, my friend from LoveFeastTable. And, we’ll make connections with hundreds of other bloggers – writers, storytellers, social media mavens. Both of us are busy soccer Moms with 7 kids between us. Believe me, it’s not easy for either of us to “just get away.”

Will we feel like kids and have more fun than we’ve had in months? – yes, probably.

After the initial missing me wears off, the kids will relax and settle in. I’m the one that usually says “No” to them, as their primary caregiver. Daddy is a ton of fun and Grandma is a sweet-natured hugger who can’t help but spoil her “little lambs.” All in all, while I’m saying YES to God, I’ll bet my kids are being said YES to and having a ball.

How about you? If you get a chance to take trips alone, do you have a hard time leaving the kids behind?