So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
So many of us lead hectic, fast-lane lives. We juggle job and family. Household chores and errands.
Run Joe to soccer. Run Susie to dance lessons. Run Sam to karate. Run to catch the bus or train or plane.
Run! Run! Run!
Whew!
With all the demands on us each day, where can we go or what can we do to "get away from it all"?
Because, no matter how busy we are, we all need that solitary place to which we can retreat. To be alone with our thoughts. To spend time in prayer.
To breathe. To rest. To relax.
And, that once a year vacation to the beach or the mountains just doesn't cut it.
It must be daily.
So, where to begin? Where can one more moment just for you be possibly squeezed into your already overflowing schedule?
The answer? Prioritize!
Take a long, hard look at what you are doing each day, each week, each month. Write a list of all your many activities. Now, take several minutes to sort them into three categories: "Must Dos"; "Might Dos", and "Why Am I Doing This in the First Place?"
Under the first heading would be activities like going to work, cooking dinner, driving the kids to various events, etc. Under the second, list anything for which you currently volunteer such as your PTA, a homeowner's association, or a church committee. Last, list those chores you currently do solo when other family members could easily pitch in and help with.
Now, where in those things you have listed can you trim the fat? What time of the day can you make just for you? To find that peace? That solitude?
To breathe. To rest. To relax.
Because, if you don't take care of yourself, how can you truly take care of others?
~
Are you too busy to take time out just for you?
Will you join me in prayer?
So many of us, Father, are living life in the fast lane. Help us to slow down and learn to take a sabbath rest just for ourselves each and every day. Let us remember that it is only when we take care of ourselves that we can have the strength and the energy to take care of those we love. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 63:1-8 (9-11), 98 or 103
Exodus 28:1-4, 30-38
1 John 2:18-29
Mark 6:30-44
I think that's one of the things I haven't learned so far :P ~ prioritize... I was just thinking this morning, if I just put my prayer and reflections first thing in the morning then I wouldn't miss Daily Devotions neither :)
ReplyDeleteBut I'm happy to share that over all, in my life, I have slowed down a bit after I got sick and I've learned to say no to other things even if they sound good. I just couldn't fit everything into my schedule.
I love Christ's invitation to go to a solitary place. It doesn't have to be so far away from this busy commotion but just to enter this quiet place inside... a breathing space when I work... or just to sit down and think back of God before I lose myself again on my daily routines :)
I pray with you everyday Martha. Thank you for creating this page ~ this is one of my solitary places where I could encounter God.
Oh, Melissa, I am so happy to know you find these devotions one of your "solitary places" to go to each day. I actually feel that I am in one of those, too, each time I sit down to write one after spending time and reflection in God's word.
DeleteGlad to know, too, that you have slowed down somewhat and are taking advantage of all the little moments throughout the day to commune with the Lord.
As always, thank you for stopping by and for praying with me. :)
Blessings!
I read the "Run! Run!" and was reminded of the old Temptation's song, "Ball of Confusion" --"Run, run, run but you sure can't hide..." Good post, Martha.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Glynn!
DeleteI had forgotten that song until you mentioned it here - could have worked as a title for the post. :)
Glad you enjoyed it.
Blessings!
I can relate to this, Marth! I can't stop running though...really! Oft times, if I don't do it, in certain areas in ministry especially, as family is not a problem, if I don't do it quickly and with cheer, it doesn't get done. I rather take quick nap and refresh than waste time trying to beg somebody for help, who doesn't want to! Blessings this day, sis.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are in a marathon, Bernie! However, since all you do accomplish is God-centered, I'm sure it works for you. We are all different, aren't we?
DeleteThanks so much for dropping by today!
Blessings!
Thankfully I do have time for me! I also have lots of time for others :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for dropping in today, RoseAnn!
DeleteGlad to know you have time for yourself and for others. What a gift this is! :)
Blessings!
Dear Martha,
ReplyDeleteThis is something that I am struggling with, "ME TIME." Being a single mom with teenagers and owning a business I run a tight ship and an organized ship, but there is always something that needs to be done. I struggle because, like most moms I can't get my children to do what needs to be done, so therefore I end up doing it myself, leaving little or no time for me. It is taking its toll on my body anxieties that is: So therefore I'm listening and working up a schedule made up of "ME TIME." Thank you, for this reminder.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Cathy!
DeleteI'm so glad you've decided to do this for your own health and sanity. I've been there and done that as a single mom with teens and those were the hardest years of my life. My heart goes out to you and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Blessings to you!
Sometimes it feels that way. This last week has been especially hectic. Now that I'm retired, I am wondering how I ever found time to work!! I'm going to take some time for me this coming week--more reading, less time online!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! So glad you will be enjoying "me" time. :)
DeleteNow that I, too, am not working outside the home, I often wonder how I did it all. Probably, with not enough grace or peace of mind, that's for sure.
I cherish the moments I do have for prayer, reflection, and solitude.
Thanks for stopping by to comment!
Blessings!
slow down to listen, to appreciate, to feel and to live <3
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Nikki! Speeding will get you a ticket, a thorn in the side; slowing down will become an accolade for His sake, and a place of rest and rejuvenation.
DeleteI know which one I choose!
Thanks so much for stopping by. :)
Blessings!
Beautiful and true! I have been wanting to get myself together so that I can spend more time in prayer. I'm setting my alarm, making coffee and spending some QT with my bible and my Father.
ReplyDeleteThe day is guaranteed to go better because I'll start it on the right foot. Thanks, Martha!
Thanks so much for coming by, Sili!
DeleteSo glad to hear this, my dear. With as much as you have on your plate, it is so necessary to secure time to commune with the Lord.
Blessings!
Sometimes I lament over the lack of time I have to myself. My husband works two jobs and I'm often with the kids nonstop all week. I value the evening hours..that's when they go to bed good and aren't peeping around my bedroom door every minute until way too late!
ReplyDeleteI've learned to grab a moment when I can but really it's probably wise to set aside an actual time/place each day. I guess mine, for now, is the shower! Though I'd like to be able to wake up before everyone, I love the early morning hours. Having issues succeeding at that though..my kids have sonar and can hear me when I try to go downstairs! So ..alas..it's the shower for me! I take extra long ones. ;)
Thanks so much for dropping in, Jessica!
DeleteWow! Your husband is one busy man and I know you have your hands full with Montana and Noah. It was hard for me to remember to breathe when my kids were young. LOL!
And, you are so right - kids DO have sonar and can sense when we are "not available" to them. If the shower works for now, more power to you!
Blessings!
This is so true Martha. I am deciding to cut down on my social media time this month. With all of the daily posts from the poetry challenge I am fried! LOL! I need some time just for my own thoughts. This post was the reminder that I needed to stick to my plan. So after a few more blog reads I am logging off for awhile. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for dropping in, Tameka!
DeleteI don't blame you one bit! You certainly hung in there during the poetry challenge and produced such marvelous work. You amaze me!
Enjoy your well deserved rest, my dear. :)
Blessings!
Beautiful post as always, Martha. I agree that we have to consciously make a choice to do what we need to do find our center. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by, Adriene!
DeleteGod is gracious. He does give us choices. We may not always make the right ones, but He has a marvelous way of placing us back on the right path when we seek His will for our lives.
Blessings!