RELATIONSHIPS April 13, 2009 Issue

WHEN A SPOUSE TRAVELS

KATIE S. BROWN

"WEEKEND WIDOW (or widower) syndrome." That's how some spouses have come to refer to the days spent alone while their partner is out of town at conferences, sports competitions, recreational outings. These activities can sometimes encroach on family time and create unwanted tension in the home.

It can be tough to see the other person's point of view, and often one party is left feeling hurt. I've been there. But through prayer, I learned that nothing chases disappointment and confusion away like relying on God to restore the balance. Watching Him work can be humbling.

When our kids were close to the ages of one, five, and seven, my husband started to compete in benchrest rifle shooting matches and began traveling out of town on long holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. To my husband, this was more than just a fleeting hobby. He actually won a national championship. And I felt both proud and happy for him.