What super power would you want to have? As a mom of 3 boys, we have many discussions about superheroes and their powers. My boys would like to be super strong. When they ask me, I usually say I wish I could fly. But deep down I really wish I had some type of force field that I could activate whenever needed and no one or no sound would be able to break through.
When would I use this power? (Although if you are a mom, I’m guessing you really don’t need to ask.) Picture the phone ringing – force field up! Picture a hot cup of coffee or tea – force field up! Picture a throbbing head – force field up! And of course, picture going to the bathroom – force field up!
Sometimes I yearn for solitude with no one pressing in on me. I know (because I’m constantly reminded by those older than me) that this season in life is fleeting. I know I should savor each hug and snuggle on the couch. I know there may be a day when my kids wished I didn’t exist instead of wanting me every 2 minutes. But despite this knowledge, some days I am just tired and oh so weary and I feel like I have nothing left to give – not even a hug.
Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” I recently read an article where the author compared Jesus’ life to that of a mom’s life. I wish I could find it to give the author credit, but I can’t. Anyway, the author told about how everywhere Jesus went crowds followed him and pressed into him. When Jesus fed the 5000 he originally was going off to a solitary place with just the disciples for some rest. He had just learned that John the Baptist was beheaded and wanted to be alone. But the crowds saw them and ran to where he was. Jesus had compassion on them and started teaching them and then fed them. How many times do I intend to have some solitude only to have children following me and then I end up doing something for them? Definitely more than I can count. Later that night, he dismissed the crowds and sent his disciples away in a boat, went up on a mountain alone and prayed.
While on the mountain, the disciples in the boat were struggling against a heavy wind. Jesus saw the disciples straining but did not immediately go to them. The bible says just before dawn he walked out to the disciples and calmed the storm. (This was when he walked on water.) I love that Jesus didn’t immediately go, that he continued to take time to be alone. As a mom, that is music to my ears. I don’t need to feel guilty that I desire time alone. Instead, Jesus shows me that it is important. So I have been known to “plug my boys in” to the TV or drop them off at a friend’s so I can take 30 minutes to curl up on the couch with a cup of coffee and the Bible or a good book. Then I am ready to go back to wiping noses (and other body parts), talking about super heroes, getting drinks, folding laundry…
So whether you are a mom or not, I’m sure you have life pressing in on you. Mine happens to be in the form of a 5, 7, and 10-year-old. But yours may be in the form of co-workers, friends, responsibilities, finances… How do you find rest when you are weary?
♥Becki
Becki, what a great reminder to carve time out to be alone…and not just with ones’ thoughts (which can be going in all different directions) but with God’s Word and reflecting on his goodness. I set a goal a few weeks ago (and have failed miserably) to get up before the kids and spend time alone reading and journaling. Thanks for the reminder to do this…to make the time…to not feel guilty! Love your posts, Becki!
Thanks Steph! I’ve never lasted more than a few days on the early morning thing… sometimes I feel like when I wake up, they do, so why bother?
I didn’t really mean to say, “Why bother” I know why to bother, but I mean if I wake up at 7, they’ll wake up at 7. If I wake up at 6, they’ll wake up at 6. So I’m going to stay asleep as long as I can so they keep sleeping 🙂