Finding Breathing Room

As of late, I have felt a bit overwhelmed, overscheduled and all-around exhausted. I really blame no one but myself for not carving out margin in my days and saying "yes" to a few too many things. It is hard as a mom to ever feel like your job is done, because the "to-do" list never ends. But, that doesn't mean we should never slow down, rest or even just stop to smell the roses. I have a hard time slowing down - Sundays are often filled with "catching up" on chores or errands, and most evenings, instead of cuddling up next to my hubby to watch a good movie, I sit next to him on the couch writing to-do lists, reading books on health or nutrition or checking Facebook.

This Fall, our family has dealt with more than it's fair share of illness. Since late September, we've had 5 or 6 cases of yuckies make their rounds in our household - right now, Thang and I are fighting a mean virus. During our 3rd round of sickness, this one a stomach bug, I was forced to lay on the couch all day long as any slight movement caused my stomach to turn. Although I had been sick just a week before, and a week before that, this was the first that I had actually stopped to take care of myself. My wise husband made the comment that maybe this was the only way God could convince me to rest. Hmmmm.

It caused me to reflect on rest and to remember that we are COMMANDED to rest. I even went back and read the creation account to understand the beginnings of this idea of "rest".

"By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." Genesis 2: 2-3

That's right, the God of the universe, the Creator of everything that is, the author of history, RESTED. So, who do I think I am not to rest? It seems I'm not alone. A few of the blogs I follow have had some great posts about finding breathing room as a mom, wife and homemaker, as well as someone who wants to serve those outside our household.


Put Bookends on Your Day
Take the Day Off (Moms Too)
Taking a Weekly Planning & Prayer Retreat
Balance Requires Sacrifice
Busy at Home


Thang told me recently to take some time away as a kind of spiritual retreat - to reflect, to pray and to plan. So, I have a day set-aside soon to do just that. I also recently got the idea to log the way I spend my time during the day for 2 weeks. I am thinking I will start this next Monday - I'm sure it will be eye-opening and very convicting. I got the idea after listening to this podcast of a Women's Training Day at Mars Hill Church, if you have some time, take a listen (also some great info on couponing!) .




Another resource I plan on referencing is Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed, by the ladies over at Girl Talk. I read through this right after I quit working to stay home with Nora. It was extremely helpful to me in thinking through what matters most...and I'm thinking it is time for a refresher! I already have an idea where the "fat" is that can be trimmed back in my life. But, it will be good to spend an extended amount of time really reflecting on what is most important and finding clarification on where God would have me spending my time wisely. With the Christmas season upon us, I do not want the next month filled with so much busy-ness that I can't reflect on the Greatest Gift I will ever receive and enjoying the people God has put in my life.


And, since no blog post should really be complete without a cute kid pic:

Miss Nora, at rest.

(I just love how she puts her arms behind her head, pure relaxation)