The problem did not dawn on me until I stood in the kitchen last night trying not to cry. Then a dish slipped to the floor and broke. I looked up, the tears could no longer be held back. I saw 2 bottles of laundry detergent still sitting on the living room floor - the ones I never managed to put away after grocery shopping a few days before. I was tired and my nerves were frazzled.
Amy (16) saw the black streaks of mascara running down my cheeks. She sympathized. Then she got me settled in the other room and told me to rest. She found an old VCR tape of the I Love Lucy Show and told me to watch it. After two episodes I was no longer crying. I was happy again and well rested.
What was this rut I got into? I stopped exercising. . . I stopped taking breaks. . . Mr. White had several days off from work, but I was busy doing hours and hours of homeschooling, errands and housework each day. I did not rest. I forgot.
I remember cleaning and tidying the living room. I remember saying, "I'll just do this one last thing, then I really need to get some rest." But I continued working. Mr. White came over to me. . there was an intervention. . He put his hand on my arm and said, "No. Stop. Go rest now." He was concerned. He sees that once I start cleaning, I cannot stop myself. . .
I must remember to rest. God provided us with work to do, but he also tells us to rest. Please don't ever let me forget. I don't want to be crying in the kitchen again with broken dishes at my feet.
For my own sake and well-being, I will cultivate the art of making a mess look neat.
Blessings
Mrs. White
For the Children - The Bible Treasure Box.
Always remember that Mother Makes the Home.
A story and a picture of my children from many years ago - Suppertime with Precious Helpers.
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6 comments:
This is such a wonderful post! Me, and everyone in the house, can tell when I have not rested enough. I am still learning to stop and rest, in Him especially. Blessings to you!
Thank you for sharing this moment. I had a similar one 2 days ago and it also came at a time when I was too tired to go on. It is important to remember to take care of ourselves or we aren't able to give our best to our family.
Mrs. White- what a sweet daughter you have. It IS important to rest, but so hard for a mom to actually do it!
Love,
C:)
Mrs. White--you must take care of yourself, not only for your own well being, but for the sake of your precious family. I have been where you are, and I know the rut you got into. I'm not scolding, I am encouraging a beloved friend. Take care of yourself, we all love you and I'm praying for you.
God comfort you and give you much peace.
We can rest and mustn't feel guilty that we need our rest.
Be encouraged...you are a beautiful child of God and much loved. Sweet!
Blessings! Spring will be here soon and the flowers popping through the ground.
Hugs and best wishes to you,
d from homehaven
You are such an inspiration, even through mascara streaks. Been battling with a lot of fibro fatigue and feeling ill so I can empathize with you dear sister.
Thank you for your transparency. I DO hope you get rested up.
Remember to be still and know that He is God! He loves you just as much when you are resting as you are when you are busy!
Lots of gentle hugs!
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