This week's focus is: Time Outs.
I love picturing this image as it relates to parenting:
When on an airplane, flight attendants command that parents MUST, if an urgent situation arises, put their air mask on first, THEN assist their child's. This is not to neglect the child. In fact, it's just the opposite.
If we're going to be able to fully be all we can be for our precious children, we MUST take time outs to get grounded and healthy.
And seriously, in a house with young kids, there are ALWAYS "urgent" situations that need tending to! Can I get an "AMEN"?!
This is not a lesson on being self-absorbed, but rather, placing importance on what's really needed to keep a mom healthy, (and might I add, more joyful as well).
This week I have been on the look out for ways that I can very simply, (and affordably), do something just for me throughout the day.
It can be as simple as lighting a candle to enjoy while you're up to your elbows in dish water, or turning on your favorite song to dance to. Sipping (slowly) a cup of tea or coffee. Or giving yourself permission to sit next to the fireplace for a few moments to simply be still.
So this week, I challenge myself, (and you too), to take a moment to put on "the air mask" and be refreshed EACH day and watch as the joy overflows from us onto our children.
Next, focus on relaxing my shoulders, neck, back, arms and legs. I'm feeling better already!! :)
I'd love to hear what other moms do throughout the days to sprinkle a little bit more joy in the midst of it all!
4 comments:
I'm always begging my kids to send me to a time out! They think its funny and its kind of our little joke because they know its a punishment I will enjoy! Who wouldn't want to spend 10 minutes lolling on their bed? Ahhhh. . . .
I LOVE these posts!
Something I read this morning that speaks to all of those "urgent" things that need to be done. This is not meant to be a trite answer to our everyday lives but something to ponder:
Comments about the story of Mary and Martha in the gospel of Luke by George Robertson.
Martha: What could be wrong with Martha seeing a tired Savior and wanting to feed him? That was a good thing to do. What could be wrong with Martha rushing about the house to gather everything together to make a nice meal for him in order to provide him with some relief? Jesus had been walking, teaching, and ministering from town to town. He and his disciples had needs too. She was responding to what was pressing.
Mary: But Mary, on the other hand, did not attend just to what was good but to what was best, not just to what was temporal but to what was eternal, not just to what was pressing but to what was necessary. And what was that? Listening to the Word of God. That sounds impractical in Jesus' day and in ours. There are so many good things demanding our time and attention all day long. But how much time do we give in attendance to the Word of God? It is that which is best, necessary, and eternally significant.
So standing at the sink inhaling my lunch doesn't count?
Thanks for this post! I'm gonna do it!
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