HEY HUSBAND! So I’m trying to stay “rooted” and “leaf” this homecoming discussion alone, but I’m on pins and “needles” awaiting your return. You might even say I’m “stumped.” I’ve “coniferred” with others as to why time seems to be passing so slowly. I’ve also “branched” out, trying new things, in an attempt to distract myself. But honestly, I can’t stop “pining” for you and I’m “ever-green” with envy of all those folks overseas who get to see your handsome face each day.
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If you’ve never called nearly 100 random strangers who are listed your company’s military roster as a toddler roars in the background, are you really even an SFRG (Soldier & Family Readiness Group) leader? #HeySon#TryingToAdultOverHere #FRGLeadersHaveChaoticLivesToo#KeepingItRealYo
It’s true. Deployment can feel like a long “hike” some days. It’s “sweaty” and feels like we are “climbing uphill” for a long time. It’s a “Mammoth” of a task, but eventually, our motivation “peaks.” That’s right. When we finally reach the “summit,” we know that even amid the “stumbles,” and moments when things were going “south,” we really did “rock” this deployment. In fact, it has made us even “boulder” than we were before.
I’m pretty sure that most months of the year have 30-31 days. Except for the last month of deployment, which has 4,853. I’m gonna need “s’more” motivation to make it to homecoming.
For all “in tents” and purposes, the homestretch of deployment is like camping… you know, “in tents.” (There’s a lot at “stake.”)
It’s no surprise that deployment seasons can be a little bit “hairy.” I’ve found that in order to keep our motivation from “dye-ing,” we shouldn’t focus on the plans that have been “foiled” but rather on the “highlights” of the journey. After all, we don’t want to “cut” ourselves “short,” missing out on possible joy. Sure, we are a “part” from our beloved and though some days our heart feels like it will “split”, we must remember that deployment WILL eventually “end.”
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Deployment Log, Day 240:
1. Random friend: “Hi, Sharita! Happy Thursday!”
“Fine, thanks.” <– Me being Homecoming twitchy.
2. Friends, if anyone talks to me in person anytime soon, please do not be concerned. I’m squirrelly. And squirrelly makes me awkward. Awkward can be embarrassing. Just laugh with me, give me a hug and pass the chocolate.
3. I’m preaching/facilitating at church this weekend. So I’m confident that the Lord will keep my squirrelly self from being awkward. That or maybe people will just think I’m filled with the Spirit…
4. My brain is so distracted. I am relatively certain I forgot to rinse the shampoo out of my hair a couple of days ago. And yesterday I legit forgot to shower.
5. The non-shower thing was ok. Because I didn’t work out. Which is an exception for me, but my body was like NO. NO. So I listened to it and instead of going for a walk/run, took a nap. Good call. Look at me being a grown up and stuff.
6. The Lord always surprises me. Today I was texting my dear mother-in-love Lex, and I said “If I was made of money, I would hire someone to clean this house before my husband gets home.” Less than an hour later, my doorbell rings (no, it wasn’t Merry Maids). A couple of teenage boys were asking if I had any yard work that needed to be done for extra cash. Normally, I would be all prideful and decide I could do it myself, but today I surprised us all… I put those boys to work! They weeded the front rock yard, weed-eated the back yard, took down the tent, raked up the dog poop. It’s called delegation, folks! (Don’t worry, I paid them well. They crushed it and it was worth every penny. Plus, it’s hot and I didn’t wanna do it).
7. I am trying to stay chill and rested, but every time I close my eyes to sleep, my brain kicks into homecoming mode: The logistics, the kiss (EEE!), the potential time of day, everything, everything, everything. Thankfully, it’s not anxiety, mostly just excitement, but also will power to keep myself realistic that things can/will change. As my amazing counselor reminded me, God is in the details.
8. Here’s the other thing with the end of deployment: Life continues. Hubs still has to work (don’t worry, we do get leave, just not immediately). Kids are still kids and still need to eat 3-86 times per day. Bedtime routine still has to happen. Keeping semi-realistic expectations is important.
9. BUT… Soon I will have another adult in the house to talk to and hold my hand and not hit me in the face when I try to snuggle (Ahem, son!)
10. Prayer requests: Peace, so much peace, that truly passes understanding as we press on toward the finish line; logistic in the coming-home part/flights/etc.
11. Parting thought: “If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God!” ~James 1:12 (TPT)
