A refresher

We all have ways we like to unwind, gather ourselves together, or recharge our batteries. For me, it is having some quiet time for myself, reading or writing. But when I get busy and the days turn into weeks before I can have that moment, I start to become that cranky, irritable person that makes small children run in fear and my husband hide out in our home office....no one likes to be around me when I haven't had time for me.

Whatever works for you --- be it a bubble bath, a night out, a day with the girls --- whatever it is, it is important to identify that and make time for it.  These things don't have to be costly or take up a lot of time, but it is what can make the difference between a sane woman and one who holds up the local ice cream shop with crazy eyes bulging with sleep deprivation and stress.

The idea of taking a time out is one found in the Bible. Jesus was in need of time for himself on a few occassions. The one most memorable was the night before Jesus died. He was under a grave amount of pressure and needed time alone. Going to a garden to pray, he left his disciples behind to pray by himself.

I know that with the demands of work, family and other obligations it is hard to find the time....and maybe what you do for you isn't something you do everyday...but it is something worth putting on the calendar.

On this labor day, I had a large chunk of time to spend alone, reading and studying the Word. Then, I cranked up some praise and worship music and went about cleaning the house while still filling my spirit. The result.....one happy and refilled wife, woman, coworker, daughter, friend and so on.

Take the time....you'll be better for it. 

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God..."