How to Handle Life with a Traveling Husband

I have only known marriaged life with a traveling man. Somewhere into our marriage of almost 14 years, I had to come to terms with my resentment of feeling like a single mom when he was gone. I would countdown the days until he would return home and rescue me from my tired,exhausted self. After praying through my feelings and emotions of this lifestyle I found myself in, I heard God calling me to rejoice about it! HUH??? I had to start enjoying the time with my kids and find things about his being gone that were a blessing, not a burden to bear.

So, here's some things I came up with:

• I don't always have to make a "real" dinner (Our treat when Dad is gone is French Toast w/Blueberries).
  
• If I do cook, I can make things my hubby doesn't really enjoy, but I do.
  
• My hubby is a little more structured than I am, so I can kinda let things go and be spontaneous when he travels. Of course, the kids usually get to bed too late when he is gone, but we have fun!!!
  
• I get to have one of my kids sleep w/ me which is a treat for both of us! And, I also get a break from wifely duties.
  
• I also need some time to myself and it just refreshes our relationship to get a breather now and then.

I could go on...but these are my things that I rejoice in. You probably have your personal list as well. I think the hardest part of his erratic schedule is that I can't ever make solid plans at times. But, I know he is working hard to provide a comfortable living for us. He has had to miss some of the kids events, which he loves to go to. He also gives up some of his own personal desires to be with us at home, because he is gone a lot. While it sounds so inviting to a "stay at home" mom to get to travel, eat dinner in a nice restaurant, fly to a far away place and be among other adults, my husband says he would always rather be at home. I know he means it. The grass is always greener.
So, I have made a choice not to resent, feel sorry, burden my husband, or complain about the job God has provided for him. I hope you hear encouraging words and not "lecturing" words. Us "traveling husband" moms need to constantly encourage one another. We also need to thank our husbands for the sacrifice they make as well.

On a funny note: it never fails...like clockwork something always happens when David leaves. Things break, need repair, someone gets sick (me last time) when my schedule is packed and I have to be three places at once, it goes on and on. It's just humorous really, at this point. But, I always seem to manage and thanks to some kind women in my life, I get a hand up when I feel like I'm drowning!