The Preparations

I am in the final preparations for my renewal leave.  There are still many things to be done.  My "to do" list is longer than I can complete in the remaining days.  I need to finish painting the exterior of the house.  There are people to visit.  There are still details of the trip to be worked out.  All the flights have been taken care of thanks to a very helpful travel agent.  And the hotels in Albuquerque, San Francisco. New Orleans and New York are finished. 

Amid the final preparations and unfinished business, I am aware of a conversation between Nicholas and Micah Sparks in their book, "Three Weeks with My Brother."  The two are planning a an around the world adventure.  But, the pressures of the planning are weighing heavily on Nicholas.  He comments that he will be fine once they actually begin their travels.  Micah responds by saying, "Haven't you learned yet?  The anticipation is an essential part of this whole trip.  The excitement of going, the places we'll see, the people we'll meet.  That's part of the joy of this whole thing."

It is a good reminder in these final days.  I am excited about the time away and the things I will experience.  I am excited about sharing these things with those who are interested.  But this time of planning and preparing is part of the fun as well.  Our joy does not begin later...when we finally graduate, when we finally get that job we are hoping for, when we get married or have children, when the children move out, when we finally retire, when the kids move out again....joy doesn't wait.  It is present throughout the journey. 

Peace.