Me Time

There is something to be said for some down-time.... some "me" time. For me, that's Monday nights, whether I need it or not (typically, I *do*!).

I am fortunate! When I found my house, little did I know there was a sitter who lived across the street. (Thank You God!) She and her sister have been fabulous! They love the kids, the kids love them.... and I get to grocery shop without children! It saves me a headache and a thousand "No. Put that back" 's, and probably saves me in groceries about what I pay them - and they're CERTAINLY cheaper than a therapist! :)

Traditionally, I have run to the store, and then to the Y for a yoga class, or church for a bible study. But, currently, I am not a Y member, nor is there a study going on. So it is literally, just that.... down-time. Free time. (ESPECIALLY this week, since I DID take the kids to the store, on Saturday.) "Co-incidentally", it's a week when I really need some down time and some prep time.

So, I sit quietly, gazing out over the field and the stand of trees that sit in front of our church building. There are birds singing, and the hum of the road nearby, but that's it. No, "MOM!", no demands or requests... just me and God.

I brought my laptop to catch up on a few things, and some nail polish to color my toes. There's a book in my bag, and Girl Scout incentives to sort in the back, if I *really* get bored.

But mostly, I just like being still. Quiet. Listening.

I am sure there is something for me to learn sitting here. If nothing else, that being still and quiet and counting my blessings will recharge my batteries for another week or so.

Peace on Earth

The drive to work on Christmas morning was magical. Lights on houses lit the countryside as I drove toward the interstate. I spent that part of my drive wondering which of the houses held children, who would in a few hours, wake up to the excitement of Christmas morning.

I wondered how many of them knew the significance of the day, and also how many, behind their walls were struggling - physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually...

My time on the interstate was spent in prayer - for unknown needs of unknown people. The roads were essentially vacant, and there was a stillness around the city.

Parking, I wondered how the day would be. Would it be peaceful and mundane, or would it be wrought with assaults? The answer was somewhere in between.

Thank You God for Peace on earth, for the quiet - the stillness mixed with anticipation. It is a gift.

Finding Balance, Joy and Restoration

I had an interesting conversation with a woman the other day. We were talking of the seasons of life. Specifically, for me, comparing the time when I was in graduate school and the present. A little over a decade ago, I was working full time, going to school full time, and attempting to resuscitate a struggling relationship. It was a time of survival - of doing what needed to get done to get on to the next task at hand. There was little joy, no balance, and no time for anything restorative. There was absolutely no time for God.

Fast forward to the present. There are days when it doesn't seem like much has changed. The week before Christmas, I was operating in "deadline to deadline" mode. There was much to do, and not so much time to do it. But then, I got a little perspective. It is different. There is Joy in my life today....and I do take time for restoration and renewal. In that, there is some balance. But, I want more. I need more.

Living intentionally is one of my goals for 2009. I am a 'do-er'. I will always have several pots on the fire. This year, I want to be sure that all of the pots have a distinct purpose. I don't want to be doing, just for the sake of doing. I want my actions and activities to reflect Him and His purposes.

I also need to be intentional about having my Linda-time and my God-time. Fortunately, they are often one and the same. If I am to continue to care for and serve others this year, I must care for my self as well. I must take time to "be still and know" God. I must quiet down enough to listen. My God-cup must be filled for it to 'runneth over' to others. I need time to rest, time to pray, time to exercise, and time to simply BE with God in the stillness of my self.

The things that I do that are unnecessary - or even someone else's responsibility - I need to relinquish. Pure and simple.

"Do more!" "Be more!!" says the world. Not me. I need to do less. I need to slow down, live intentionally, and simply BE.


Help me to see, through Your eyes, the parts of my life that honor and glorify You.
Help me to let go of those things that hold me back, limit my purpose or drain me unnecessarily.
Help me to know You. Really. Truly.