Being His Crown (FHM)

Yesterday I recieved a message from Nicole in my inbox.  It was a blessing to me.  I have been saying that I have all these thoughts that I can't seem to complete, then the Lord brings someone along who is in the same place as me and helps me along.  So I have posted the words below for you to read and enjoy.  I will comment about it then you can read it. 

The Lord is amazing in this regard as well.  Angie and I are working together on this Being his Crown series. Well, we hadn't even discussed a topic for today.  I sent her the message that was sent to me.  Then, I checked out her blog and her Being his Crown about this very topic.  I think this is where the Lord is desiring his daughters to be this day!  So enjoy.

Wives and Mothers need to take, make, create and or carve out time for themselves to just be!  I have found this school year that my life has drastically altered.  In that process I seldom take a break for just me!  Whether it be for me to just read the word, or pray, or take a walk around the neighborhood alone.  I like many women have felt that I could not do that because so many things and people need me.  To take a break would indicate leaving something undone.  I love my children and in the same breath I need time away from them.  This is something that pre-school and homeschooling moms need to really consider.  Your job is 24/7 and not many people will tell you to take a break...it is not often an option.  Here is what I realized though, if I don't take the break I will be less than the wife and mother I desire to be.  It is in me to love my husband, it is in me to nurture my children, but when I have nothing of me to give that is when it all goes bad. I go to the rock that is higher than I.

So I encourage each one of you to read this article and take the rest that you need in order to function in the beauty and joy of wife and mother.   

Taking "Mom Time" is not selfish... it's a part of your job!

"I feel guilty when I blow it with my kids and I feel guilty when I take time for myself. I just can't win!" lamented my friend sitting across from me at a local coffee shop. It was a mommy meltdown at its very best.

I reassured her. I've been there. We've all been there. We know we need to take some time to refill our emotional tank, but we feel guilty doing so because it often means doing something away from the family. But then the guilt keeps us from taking care of ourselves and we end up with no reserves when we're disciplining our kids and we blow it. It's a common cycle that most moms experience.

I ran that cycle for years until one day it hit me: taking care of myself is part of my job description as a mom! It's my responsibility. Nobody is going to do it for me. I have to learn to do it myself. Before I'm on empty. Before I'm at the end of my rope. Proactively...not reactively.

With Mother's Day around the corner, I'd like to make a suggestion. Let's each give ourselves a Mother's Day gift. This would be a life-giving gift to us and to our family. Let's commit to putting something in our schedule that fills us up: exercise, scrapbooking, one night out a week with a girlfriend, an hour at the library, a walk, prayer, reading the Bible, sitting on the porch with a cup of tea...whatever activity would fill your emotional fuel tank!

Yes, it will take some effort. Sometimes it will even feel like a hassle. But it's worth it! And it is needed on a regular basis. You and I can't give to our families out of emptiness...we need to give to our families out of the overflow of our heart! The only way a heart can overflow is if it's filled to the brim.

Jesus pulled away from the crowds to refuel. We can follow His example and do the same.

Keeping hearts at home,

Jill Savage

Wife of Mark

Mom to Anne, Evan, Erica, Kolya, and Austin (and Grandma in about 3 weeks!)

Click here for more on how to take the break you need to function with excellence as a wife and mother.