The best views

I had the amazing opportunity to go to SXSW25 in Austin this last week, where I got to stay in a beautiful hotel with the most fantastic view of downtown Austin (and the huge sky above it). The content tracks I was most interested in ended on Tuesday and I was scheduled to fly home Friday, so I thought, "You know, I'm only a few hours from the beach... what if I stay there and just work there instead of the hotel?" I've been craving those ocean views anyway, so I figured why not? 

As I was making my plans, I had a gentle thought come to my mind that made me smile. 

"What if there's an even better view available?"

And my mind went right to my family. 

I answered the thought with a flight change (thank you United for no fees), a quick text to Chris, and I felt a huge spiritual hug. This was where I wanted to be. 

A couple more days away wouldn't have made a huge difference... but coming home and being able to show these people how much I love them was what we needed.

Chris picked me up at the airport (surprised me by grabbing my suitcases and was standing there waiting when I arrived at the baggage claim 🥰), and we came home and surprised the kids. It was really sweet to see each of their reactions. My son was awake and gave me the biggest, happiest hug, and I'll never forget the expressions on the girls' sleepy faces when we woke them up. Their peaceful smiles as they fell back asleep were added confirmation that I made the best choice. This week was full of upgrades from God, and this was the perfect capstone.

Coming home reminded me of a favorite country song I loved singing along to as a young adult, dreaming of the life I'd have one day: 

I've traveled here and everywhere
Following my job
I've seen the paintings from the air
Brushed by the hand of God
The mountains and the canyons reach from sea to shining sea
But I can't wait to get back home
To the one he made for me
It's anywhere I'll ever go and everywhere I've been
Nothing takes my breath away
Like my front porch looking in
- from "Front Porch Looking In" by Lonestar, written by Richie McDonald, Frank Myers, and Don Pfrimmer.

I took my youngest to the park after school, and we played together in the sand. I couldn't help but think of the sand I passed up to be there with her, and smiled with contentment as she wrote the message above for me in the sand.

Upgrade accepted, with so much gratitude, and a heavenly "high five." 

(p.s. still craving that beach time, but that will happen very soon... with all of us there.)