I have got to admit to having a very busy and somewhat stressful last three weeks. Yes, you read that right, three weeks! It all started with babysitting four of a friend's children. From there it just seemed like the following days were a blur of home school workshops that needed to be taken, doctors and dentists appointments, a son who had to be sponsored for his road test (he passed!), church duties, and more babysitting. Factor in that I live 45 minutes away from most of these obligations and you have a mum who has spent a great deal of her time driving as well as being out of the house. And we all know what being out of the house means, don't we? A thick slice of chaos has been served up! Yet, we survived.
- laundry has been piled to an all time high for those not doing their own yet
- meals have been hit or miss ( please Mum no more grilled cheese sandwiches!)
- the house has been neglected, a.k.a. I can't see the kitchen table
- tempers are short from lack of connection and sleep
- schoolwork has been rushed
- gardens neglected
- dogs neglected
- peace at home spotty
- time with the Lord has been short--the worst!
In looking at it all , it all had to be done. Yes, I could have said no to a few things, but God was calling me to help in some of those areas. Most well-meaning friends would tell me that if my own family has to suffer that I shouldn't be helping. And I do agree with that, to a point. Yet, why shouldn't we suffer or be inconvenienced? Did the Lord ever promise me that my life would be smooth and bump free. I don't think so. There are times when we have to step out of our comfort zones and stretch, and yes, get stressed out a bit. The truth is, people here still had clean underwear each morning, there was food to eat, not gourmet or the usual time invested meals, but no one went hungry, most school was done, the dogs ate and went out, and in general we all could walk through the house without tripping. In the grand scheme of things no one here really suffered. It was a season.
Now though we need to find the calm, find the peace we have had to give up over the last few weeks. We, or mainly I , need to slow down, take stock and find our rhythm again. Time to get out my calendar and plan the days. Say no, say yes. Say no a bit more. Relax and breathe. Walk outside and feel the cooler Autumn breeze and savor the smells of the approaching season. Just take the time to be still and be present in the moment. Enjoy a season of more connection to the people and things I love and cherish-those that God has blessed me with. As I type this the sun is bright, the breeze through my window is glorious and serene. I am going out to find my peace today. My hope is you can too.
A lesson indeed for us all Suzanne. I know exactly how you feel. Spread yourself too thinly and you end up helping no one. Mothers are the hub of the home so I hope you find some tranquility whenever and wherever you can. Not easy these days is it. For me the open countryside and joy I get from the changing seaons is precious and a great healer and I guess it is for you too. Take care. Eli x
ReplyDeleteAs someone who benefited from your hospitality and generous kindness in a time of desperate need, I can tell you that your willingness to sacrifice - not constantly, but at times - is a never-forgotten blessing to those who you have helped!
ReplyDeleteSo many people "in the world" today don't recognize that we have seasons of stress and chaos. They cannot see the end. It's good that you recognize "this too shall pass." Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI am feeling the same way with the start of school. I am trying to stay positive but I feel I am living my life in the car. Hope you get some peace and home time soon.
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