February 12-14, 2012-Weekend Roier…

     Instead of a Weekend Warrior, I was a Weekend Roier the past few days.  I used to come up almost every weekend, on my own and with my boys, but since moving out of my bachelor’s quarters and into a family home just a little over a year ago, Roi weekends are few and far between, but that’s what makes them pretty special.  Between the fabulous Valentine’s Surf and Turf Dinner at the Roi-Namur Dolphins Scuba Shack, the time spent reading for fun, and exercising at the pool in the glow of the setting sun, I remembered once again why I love this island so much.  It’s always been more my speed, but being a “bachelor island,” I’m not able to live here full time and be with my kids too, so I made the sacrifice to be away from my dream guy and dream island in order to be with my babies.  That’s what we do as parents, we sacrifice time, energy, money, and usually our very hearts and souls to be there for our kids and help them become strong, independent adults themselves. 

     I will never regret the choices I’ve made in regards to the boys.  It may seem to some that I have allowed others to walk all over me or take advantage of me, so that I could keep the peace and be near and there for my boys in any and every situation possible, but I’d much rather “turn the other cheek” and swallow my pride than argue and struggle to get my way or worse yet, “to seek revenge” and make my children miserable in the process.  I may not be receiving all the rights, respect, and support I “deserve” when it comes to my babies (or that a court of law in the states might award me as their mother), but how will I ever learn to be content in whatever circumstances God places me or how to come through the fire more refined and with more wisdom if I never walk through the flames?  There’s a reason for everything, even if it can’t be explained, and every time a friend or loved one expresses their righteous anger at the difficulties that often accompany the “divided home” within which my boys are being raised, I can agree and usually even get angry myself, but in my heart I keep feeling that I must press forward with nothing but kindness, love, generosity of spirit, and helpfulness towards those who would try to “oppress” me.  Until I hear God telling me otherwise, that’s what I will do, attempt to exhibit the fruit of the spirit in all my daily work and personal dealings. Although, I must admit, I’ve been praying about that  “self-control” one.  I have a hard time controlling my emotions sometimes, and this leads to a lack of discipline and a lack of rational and professional ways of dealing with others, so I will keep working on that one for now.  J  After a busy, nerve-racking week at work, the weekend on Roi provided some much needed perspective on life and reminded me that not only it is the small things that can bring you joy, it’s usually also the small things which bring stress, and these are thing we need not worry about, but instead, give them over to the Almighty One and let it go.  Now, if the weekend on Roi just could have lasted a little longer…