I was reading on a friend's sister's blog earlier and came across this link called "A High and Noble Calling; What about time for myself." Sadly, I was immediately interested because of the "time for myself" part. After reading what this woman had wrote on her blog, I was feeling rather conviced about my actions as a mother. I couldn't figure out how to get a link on my page so I just copy and pasted it onto mine.
"Just this week as I was putting away some towels in the bathroom, I sat on the floor for a moment thinking “I am tired, and I need a break! I need some time to myself!”. Winters are long. We are cooped up in the house a lot, and I lack two sets of grandparents who partially retire to the warmer weather for the winter. How I miss those helping hands!
But is “me time” something we should desire as mothers, and is it even Scriptural to do so?
It is difficult to drown out the voices of popular woman’s magazines, those in talk shows like Dr. Phil and Oprah who are constantly telling women they need to “stop serving everyone else and take time for themselves”.
In the trenches of motherhood, there is real exhaustion, real frustration and a real need to renew, refresh and recuperate. While I cannot find a Scripture that says “A mother should have daily time to herself, to do as she wishes. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (and isn’t because I haven’t looked =) ), but we do have an example of how to live by observing how Jesus lived. Did Jesus need and take time to himself every once in a while?
First off, whenever I am screaming inside “ I just want some time to myself” I have to realize that this thought is rooted in selfishness. I never read about Jesus telling those who needed him that he needed to get away so he could hang out at the marketplace and check out the goods. However, we do see Jesus stepping away from the crowds and even calling His disciples to do so to refresh their spirits. And here I think lies the difference in a woman seeking to “get away from her duties for a while” versus a woman who is spiritually, emotionally and physically exhausted and needs to be refreshed through seeking God.
If you are vying for some me time (and if your honest with yourself, who isn’t?), I believe it is wise to check your heart on the matter. Is your need because you feel you deserve some time to yourself? Or is it because you need to invest in some time to pray and get refreshed in God so that you can be a better wife and mother when you return? Because that little thing called me time, it can breed itself and become addicting. It can manifest your selfish heart into a mother who is daily annoyed at her children and husband for needing her. And that is dangerous.
When Jesus did step a way from the crowds, what did he do with his time? He set time aside to become more intimate with the Father, through prayer and fasting. He did it so that He could better serve those who needed Him by gaining intimate fellowship with the Father, relying on Him to equip and empower Him in fulfilling His calling.
If you are really feeling burdened and overwhelmed with your duties as a wife and mother, scheduling time away isn’t a sin, nor is itbad, nor does it make you a bad person. It’s ok to need a break. But consider what you do with that time. Are you feeding your flesh or nurturing your spirit?
Next week I plan on sharing some more thoughts on this matter and give you some ideas for refreshing and renewing your spirit so that your “me” time is God honoring and productive! Stay tuned…..
In the meantime, what do you do about this me time matter? Do you take time to yourself? If you do or don’t I would love to hear your thoughts on why or why not?"
Often times I can't wait for naptime so I can get on facebook or check my email or whatever and in the evenings I can't wait for bedtime so I can watch my show that is on that night or just relax and enjoy the quiet. I should be spending that quiet time along with my Saviour, the one who gave His life for us. The one who loves us no matter what we do and is always willing to forgive us. I look forward to going back to her blog and seeing what else the Lord leads her to write about. I just found it very eye-opening and am feeling encouraged to delve (sp?) deeper into the Word.
Great post, Liz!
ReplyDeleteThe way to post a link is to click on the little button next to the b and i when you are typing. When you hold your mouse over it, it says "insert Link"
After you click on it, erase the http:// and insert the link that you copied and click OK.
I agree sis! It is so easy to want me time...I want it (and have it really) all of the time...but very rarely do I fill the time with fellowship with the Lord! Thanks for the reminder! Love you!
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