November 6, 2014
I love the end of daylight savings time because for a few weeks, I feel like an incredible person. I can wake up at 6am or 7am and feel great! My sleeping patterns haven’t changed, nor did the number of times Gator wakes up at night. In fact, nothing changed—except for that taunting number on the clock.
I’ve heard the taunting all of my life. “Early to bed, early to rise . . .” “You need to have personal devotions early in the morning, it’s the best (and only ) time . . .” “You can’t be a good Christian if you don’t rise early . . . “ “Discipline, discipline, discipline!”
I have always needed a little extra sleep. It is just part of who I am. I’ve tried to change that fact, oh how I’ve tried! But in all my attempts, what I’ve found is that I am limited to early rising two, maybe three, mornings a week or it begins to take a hard toll on my physical and emotional health. As a child, an early morning schedule rendered me a miserable human being and landed me with pneumonia. I’d like to say that tendency has changed in adulthood . . . but in all honesty, it hasn’t.
What about you, dear momma friend? Do you feel pressured to rise early, to be the “great Christian mom” who can rise early and do it all with a smile on your face?
While there are some who can rise early {like my husband!}, there are also those of us who just can’t and feel guilty about it. I love the early risers and I think it is truly wonderful to be able to do so and spend that first part of the day with the Lord—but it just doesn’t work for me. And I’ve carried so much guilt for that throughout my life.
So to the momma nodding her head and feeling that guilt, here is what I’ve discovered . . .
Are my devotional times always ideal? No, not always. There is a lot of chaos, some spilled milk, crumbs on the table, waves of giggling from the two boys, and sometimes a diaper needs changed in the middle; however, I love the fact that my boys see their momma seeking the Lord in the midst of all the chaos. Yes, someday I dream of changing the routine and having a quiet time all to myself; but for now, this is my season—and it is chaotic and busy, there is spilled milk (a lot if it some days), and I don’t have a lot of time to myself. And for this season, I need a little extra sleep to be at the top of my game all day long.
To the momma who identifies with this and has carried that guilt—can I encourage you to let it go? It’s not about those stiff, unyielding regulations, it is about your relationship with Christ! Find a routine that works for you during this season and grow in Christ.
If you feel guilty about needing a little extra sleep {or a little time to yourself}, let me ask you this: how do you feel when you know your son or daughter is exhausted?
When I know that Gidget or Gator is completely worn out, I rejoice when they sleep in. Not because it frees me up for awhile, but because I know they need refreshed. I want them to feel rested, to feel good, to be able to put everything they have into their day of play. I breathe a sigh of relief and tell my husband “I am so glad he is sleeping in. He needs the rest, did you see him? He was so drained yesterday! I hope he can sleep for as long as he needs.”
Our relationship with our children and our spouse is often a reflection of how our relationship with God works. Is it so far of a stretch to think our Heavenly Father—who sees us pour everything we have into these days—feels the same way? I don’t think so. So rest dear momma friend, give yourself permission to sleep.
The bow cannot be always bent without fear of breaking. Repose is as needful to the mind as sleep to the body . . . Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength. It is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less. -Charles Spurgeon
{Post linked at The Deliberate Mom}
the thing about pearls
Pearls of course find their birth in an invasion, generally a parasite or irritant. Something the oyster did not ask for, or likely want. I can so identify with that. Yet, the very beginning of what we call beautiful and valuable is something that should not be.
why the everyday matters
Have you been in that spot of vision-less existence? Where the day-in and day-out steal your passion and the demands of life blind you to purpose?
formulas belong in math, not parenting
I think we all long for control. And as moms, we all long for that special formula that will give us the results we so desire. The little years are exhausting (can I get an amen?), but there is something in them that eases my tired heart: control.
These are wonderful reminders and so encouraging.
I don’t do well on little sleep. I’m a better person when I’m well rested.
Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo