After a whirlwind week spent traveling to Budapest, testing kiddos and connecting with old and new friends, and traveling home from Budapest, I was beat. (But not conquered).

Then I had a whirling dervish of a visit with my parents and my big sister before I sent off my two eldest. Our time together was full of love and hugs, grit and tears, and a few intruders. I wish I meant that metaphorically, but I digress. Still, I was eager for the week ahead. (But not giddy).

This morning, I brunched with a little group of ladies that continue to blow me away with their honesty and their love for the Lord (and we missed the ladies who were busy elsewhere). Through that conversation, the Holy Spirit renewed my heart, my vim, and my vigor. (But not my body).

That, I trust, will be refreshed as I sleep tonight, knowing that I am packed and heading off to the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers’ Conference: a week packed with workshops and wisdom, agents and editors, friends and mentors. And I get to do this–even after my crazy weeks abroad–because of family.

Knowing that Giant and Bean are with Bambi and Bumpy (as Smalls has christened them) sets my mind at ease to a large degree. But Smalls and Short Son are staying behind and being loved on by our other family. And I’ve got to say that I couldn’t feel better about the people who will be tucking my boys in at night.

When the body of Christ truly functions as a family, people are blessed and He is glorified. As a girl who is very used to living an ocean away from my biological (and splendiferous) family, I’ve always been okay with just the nuclear “us.” Boyfriend-Who-Is-My-Husband has played the dual role of spouse and best friend to the nth degree, and I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. (Because I totally wasn’t. He’s that awesome.) Family was home. Family was our church, too…just a tiny group of us (adding up to more than two) gathered in Christ’s name. So, He was in the midst.

It was enough, and it still could be.

But it doesn’t have to be anymore. Now, Church is home. And Church is family.

And this week especially–as I’m ready to be simply Mom again but climbing into the car–I couldn’t be more thankful for all my family. However we’re connected.

PS–Judi is my BFF now. BWIMH has been promoted to BWIMH.