Sometimes, it isn’t so much that I need to complain. I just need to be quiet before Him—rest in His word, think about His love, ask for His rejuvenating care. A lot of weariness can be cared for by a good cup of tea and some quiet moments alone with Him. In The Message Jesus says, "Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Do Something Different
Several years ago when the children were younger I awoke dreading the day. To be perfectly honest, I was sick of homeschooling. I asked the Lord what to do and instantly had a strange thought. "Do school at the park." So we did—packed up our books, some snacks, and a huge blanket and worked in the sunshine. It got me over the hump and we all came home rejuvenated. Sometimes we need to break routine and do something different.
Take Time for Fun
Just this weekend I made a choice to attend a social activity with my children. I didn’t have the time and wasn’t sure it would be worth the effort, but it was. Spending time with other homeschool moms in a fun, free environment made such a difference in my ability to face work the next day. In my efforts to accomplish the many good things the Lord has called me to do, I often forget that He also calls me to balance. If I don’t take time for fun, I’m less effective when it’s time to work.
Fun is different for different people. Spending time with friends is a great boost for me. So is reading a good, uplifting novel, or taking a walk with my husband. Sometimes our family just needs to cancel everything, order a pizza and watch a funny movie, or go outside and play basketball. What is fun for you? Answer that question and make sure you include it in your schedule.
Evaluate the Call
The other day a friend and I were discussing the struggle of making healthy choices for our time. She said something I think many of us face when evaluating decisions. "I feel guilty if I do and guilty if I don’t." She believed no matter her choice she would let someone down. Most women struggle with this. It’s hard to say, "no," especially when the need seems so great, but too many "yes" answers are sure to lead to burn out.
Scripture makes it clear that the Lord will empower us for what He’s called us to do, but too often we pile more on our plate than He intends and then we wonder why He isn’t helping us get it all done. A wise mom once told me, "The need is not the call." Her admonition still rings in my ears now, ten years later. When I face a choice to add a new demand on my schedule, I try to pause and ask if God is calling me to fill that need. If He isn’t, I trust He has someone else for the job or that it’s just not on His list of priorities.
Take a Break
Too often we don’t give ourselves permission for the rest we need. I did it again this weekend. I had several writing deadlines pulling at me and I was determined to meet them, despite exhaustion. In my heart, I knew I was ignoring the prompting of the Spirit to rest. I wasted a couple of hours on Friday evening staring at a computer screen and accomplishing basically nothing. The next day I tried again, only to be frustrated. Finally, I let it go and went to the activity I mentioned earlier. After I got caught up on my rest and had some playtime, the writing projects suddenly came together. I wish I had given myself permission to take a break before I wasted so much time. Sometimes, we just need a nap!
A home schooling mother of four, Paula Moldenhauer is passionate about God's grace and intimacy with Jesus. Her website offers home schooling hints, book reviews, and a free weekly devotional, Soul Scents. Subscribe to Soul Scents at www.soulscents.us. You can contact Paula at Paula@soulscents.us.
