Thursday, November 13, 2008

The "Me Time" debate...

How many times have I felt like I NEED or HAVE to get away, and I do get away, only to come home to a mess (physical or emotional--see the last post "How soon we forget lessons..." for my most recent one)? Or how about when our children interrupt our quiet time with the Lord? I often let all that overshadow my "break" which I thought would refresh me and rejuvenate me. I'm left feeling sorry for myself, dissatisfied and wanting even more. Why is this? Because it is not what will truly refresh me!

The world tells us as wives and moms that we deserve time away. The world is of the opinion that being a wife and mom is a "job." God doesn't see it that way. He has called us into the ministry of being the keeper of the home, a help meet, a beacon of light for our children. If I am looking for fulfillment outside of God's roles for me, I will always come up empty.

Does this mean we are to be around them 24/7, never getting time of refreshment, being a martyr? No. I think it's all in the attitude and expectations. I believe if we stop seeing "our time" (which really isn't ours anyway, it's His) as something we are owed, but put God first, give Him our time and attend to our family lovingly and humbly and with a willing spirit; God will provide refreshment and refueling. It may be in a chance to visit with friends, or go shopping alone, or have actual one on one quiet time with our Lord. Or, just maybe, it will come amidst the chaos of a happy family, or in the quiet morning hours holding a little one that's awoken while it's still dark and needs her mama's arms around her.

I felt led to write on this based on an article in this month's The Old Schoolhouse magazine. The article was from the author's blog entry The "Me Time" Myth. It really struck a chord with me and apparently quite a few once you see all the comments. I really think God has been preparing me for this for a while. I've noticed I don't look for the times away as much. My sweet husband will offer me to go run errands but it just doesn't hold the same "temptation" for me that it once did. I really just want to be home with my family. Friends ask me how I can homeschool and be around them all day. I want to ask them, "how can you not?" They're such a joy and blessing! Their time with us is so short... God has chosen my husband and I to care for His children! What an honor!

3 comments:

2 China 4 Addison said...

Charlene, there's a writer in you!! Thank you for this post, I needed to hear it.
Your words spoke to me tonight.
thanks!

Dawn said...

Very nice post Charlene!
You are right, when we take time to visit with God, he does replenish us. I really needed that reminder!
DD

Kayluray said...

I read that article! You articulated my thoughts exactly. I often think of the verse from the Bible that says (sorry I can't cite it) We are in the world but not of it.