Okay, so beyond that little blurb -- why do I love being organized? Well, this stage of life can be -- let's face it -- a blur. I want to enjoy it, not be stressed over everything that needs done and what and where and on and on and on...
I have been a perfectionist for most of my life. As a teenager, this saw me with many physical symptoms of the stress I put myself under. I didn't know the Lord, didn't have peace in my heart. All I had was "I must do this -- if I don't, I'm a failure." I tied my significance to my success or failure at things. I was a top student, but no one knew how much each day took me deeper into depression. Now if that won't ruin the heart of a teenage girl!
As a mama -- it can ruin me just as readily. The difference is that now I am in a position of influence -- I am raising my kids (by the grace of God and with huge help from my husband, of course). Now, the enemy will use that tendency to want to be perfect to undermine my peace, faith, hope, love and joy. We all know that is his plan -- to steel from us our peace and destroy the heart of our family. If he does that, he eliminates the chance for our family to honor God!
When it comes to curbing those meltdowns of being an overwhelmed & underrested mama, three things make the difference: prayer, rest, and organization.
PRAYER: Friends, this is at the top of the list for a reason. Prayer is the single most powerful thing we can do...and yet it is often a last resort. Why? For me, I see my pride as the obstacle. It goes back to thinking I need to earn my significance on my own works. Wrong. I have a Father who loved me before I was even a life on this earth. I have a Savior who intercedes at the throne of Heaven for me. I have Spirit of hope that lives in me and guides me... if I can just be still long enough to listen. My Ladies Bible study group is starting a new term on this topic, so expect to hear more soon.
REST: Have you ever read Psalm 23? You know, the one about that good shepherd?What a beautiful metaphorical picture of Jesus! There is one verse I always breezed over until a friend shared it at work one day. "He makes me lie down in green pastures." I was not aware of this, but did you know that sheep are a little dense? They just keep meandering about until exhausted. They are spooked by rushing waters, but yet won't rest in even the most perfect place. The shepherd has to lead them there and make them rest.
Do you rest? I mean really take time to rest? Or are you waiting to be forced to rest? I admit I am a little like those dense sheep. It takes influenza to make me rest for a few days. It takes sick kids or a dead vehicle to keep me home. My body wants to rest, but my "I have to do it myself" voice says keep going.
I have started to rearrange things to bring rest into my life:
- I only leave the house on Sunday (church), Tuesday (MOPS), and Thursday (errands) whenever possible. The other days, excepting being the mommy-van school bus, are for catching up at home and having some down time. A mentor of mine once said, "Rest when they rest [or are at school]. The chores will be there when the kids are...time to rest won't. Time to rest is fleeting."
- I also have quiet time in the morning before doing anything else. Just me and God's Word. It means not going back to bed right after feeding baby at 5...but hey, that lady in Proverbs 31 "rises while it is still night," right? Seems to be working for her.
- I have made going to church and a Bible study group a priority. This is rest for my spirit. I can go go go all day, but if I am not being refreshed in God...I will feel empty and overwhelmed.
- I am getting braver about accepting or asking for help with the kids. "Honey, I really need a haircut. Tonight's schedule is clear...I am going if you can watch the kids." I used to wait until desperation set in (6 months between cuts kind of desperation), then beg. Now I can remember taking care of me is important enough to ask for help.
- If it works with family and budget, take a little retreat. Our church offers some for individuals and families throughout the year. There are great local seminars and national conferences to do. I just try to remember garbage in, garbage out. Make it worth your time and uplifting to your heart. Trust me, the kids, spouse, and home will survive a few days without you. I have learned to not have grand expectations of them rushing me at the door with remorse for taking me for granted. Nor will the house be as neat as I left it. Those just set me up for disappointment. But I will be refreshed and actually have had the opportunity to miss them!
- Do something that makes you feel healthy. Even exercise can be rest when it gives you time alone and recharges your batteries. You better believe I am looking forward to getting back to my fitness club when this year's frenzy of multiple schools passes.
- Get organized and you get more time/money with which to rest.
ORGANIZATION:
So, there you have it. More time and money. Less stress. More rest and peace. Living the calling God has for you. That is why being organized is a blessing to you and your household. For a while...the next few blog posts (barring random acts of homestead inspiration) are going to dig into some specific strategies that make things a lot smoother for us. It is my hope they help you out too friends! I have shared many of these with my MOPS group, and now it's a joy to share them with you, as well.
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