A Mother's Heart

ME Time

I just read a post on Raising Arrows that has me really thinking.  

Me time.   What is it?  That is the question.  I think everyone has a different idea.  So let me give you my definition, for the purpose of this entry.  In fact, I'll distinguish ME time from personal time. 

ME time, is time I want to do whatever I want, AND time I feel I deserve AND time that I get angry and resentful about if I don't get.  This is bad!!

Personal time, time to excercise, read, blog, do Bible study, see friends, etc, as the opportunity lends itself is not bad. 

So, those are MY definitions.  Hopefully that will clarify. 

The post so very clearly expresses what I feel, or have been on the verge of feeling for a long time.  I had realized that I felt the most frustrated and angry when I didn't get ME time.  I felt I was being cheated, and I punished everyone who got in my way, so to speak.  I was being very selfish.

The Raising Arrows post points out so very beautifully the fact that I need to be seeking fulfillment in every moment in my day, not just the ME moments.  I am a mother, and I am a mother every moment of the day.  Why should I seek to "escape"?  My family is not a fetter placed on me, but a joy to be cherished.

I'll be the first to admit that there is, or can be, a certain tedium to doing the same duties every day, but I think it doesn't have to be that way.  She points out in her post that we can be always looking for ways to enjoy our children and our homes. 

In my opinion, the problem is the state of my heart.  Is my heart always looking for ways out of doing my duties?  Or is my heart taking joy and pride in them?  It isn't hard to realize that melting your life into your role as a mother is the most important thing to do in this season of life.  And the season is short.  All I have to do is imagine the day I wake up with no babies at home to realize how precious they are!

I write this more for myself, to clarify in my mind these wonderful ideas.  I am a living example of Christ to my children, and a helper to my husband.  What joy!!

Also, if I am feeling "drained", and that I need a break and just can't give any more, odds are what I need isn't a manicure, or a coffee date with a friend I need more time in the Word!!

Here is the link to the post:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Raisingarrows/432782/

And if I were you, I wouldn't read ANY of the comments.  Aside from the usual nasty remarks from a few people, I think most people missed the mark. 

Leslie

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5:18, 2/1/2008 .. Posted by maa

I went over and read the post, it was good. Many commented about Jesus having his time away.I think they may be trying to justify their selfish desires to get away for some fun. Jesus was alone to pray not for "me time." Thanks for sharing that post with us, I don't go over there much and would have missed it.
I am always with my children. If I need to rest they rest with me. If I need to visit a friend they visit with me..........always with me and I love it.I do to take a bath alone and sometimes use the toilet alone.lol
maa's mom

Me Time

5:41, 2/1/2008 .. Posted by smmagers

I think we all need a few minutes of me time. We all need a moment to catch our thoughts. My me time is when I shower or take a bath. We our mom's , a helpmet to hubby, grandparents, a child of God 1st. What I need is time with my hubby, babies, family, not time away from Gods gift's to me. I love my job and do not need a break from it. God Bless. mj

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6:59, 2/3/2008 .. Posted by gabbie427

I have been pondering this as well. Me time.....for me is a hot shower or bath with no kids screaming in the background. LOL Or a hot cup of chai tea and a good book to read in the silence. A few moments to spend on my crafting!

We all need to spend some time alone, rejuvenating ourselves!!!!


God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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9:13, 2/21/2008 .. Posted by Agsd7

Thank you Leslie for your post on this. I did check out the original post on raisingarrows' blog. I agree with many of the other ladies' comments. Over the years God has been showing me that my time is really not mine, but His. And when I would struggle with this, feel weary, I would see Jesus with all those people clamoring for Him, pressing in on Him, wanting their needs met, and I knew He had total understanding of what I felt, with my small group of 7 children, 1 husband, and a few animals. :) I found that if I would just wait and trust and continue to do whatever it was I needed to do that God always "gifted" me with times to replenish.

And the point that others made, that the time Jesus took "away" was always to be alone with His Father is a good one and worthy to be noted. Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and every else with be provided, everything. :)