I’ve written about my struggle with rest and quiet and still.
The words “I hate sleep” have come out of my mouth on more than one occasion. And if I didn’t require it, I would probably never stop to sleep.
I tend to be a task person.
I end my day feeling successful by the number of check marks filled in on my list.
You can imagine how choosing an entire day to rest is scary to me.
I’m not using that fear as an excuse, but I’m a big “Mark the Day” person.
I need fresh starts and new beginnings.
I’m so thankful His mercies are new each morning.
So until it becomes natural for our little family, our rest will be something we plan and schedule.
Something we take small steps toward each week. Each day.
There are a few important points for us as a family:
1. Growing up, my parents instilled some wonderful habits in our lives for a day of rest: an hour of resting after lunch, no chores, no tasks, no shopping: it was our Sunday routine.
Somehow I’ve let these habits fall to the wayside; I’ve let my task list rule.
2. Technology is probably here to stay, so we want to learn how to use it well and create boundaries. We want to model this for our children–and teach them through our actions, the importance of these boundaries.
3. We want to tell our time and tasks what they do and when–not the other way around.
4. We want our children to see the importance of hard work and responsibility.
Even more so, we want our children to see our love for Him and each other and them–not in what we say, but what we do.
5. We want our family to be focused on giving and loving and caring for others. We know that actions speak louder than words: we desire to speak loudly and boldly as a family.
As I write this? Our house is quiet. I’ve banished Andy to bed, as we’ve both been working around the clock and burning the candle from both ends. [Did I say that phrase correctly? I have a terrible track record of mixing up common phrases…and saying something I really didn’t mean to say. And with my lack of sleep? It’s certainly possible that I did just that!]
I digress.
Given that I’m a “Mark the Day” type of gal, I’m so excited that the new year is approaching quickly. I am also not dumb–well, not that dumb. I know the shift of priorities and habits doesn’t occur overnight.
So we’re taking baby steps.
And we’re starting with why. I do know a few things about changes? They stick a whole heck-of-a-lot more when there is a reason for the change in the first place.
Does your family implement periods of rest?
A full day? A few hours?
Any advice?
Are we crazy? <– Don’t answer that one. I know we are. :o]
We try to implement rest days in my household, but it can be hard. Our summer was go-go-go, and it’s just calming down. Just now. I love sleep, and I used to be an early to bed, early to rise sort of person, and now? Waking up before 9 on a weekend makes me whiny.
All that to say, I find that after I have taken a day to just rest. To not worry about the cleaning, the cooking, the laundry, or doing ANYTHING, I am more at peace.
You’re so right – and we need to just take that plunge of “it’ll get done tomorrow” – and the rest will encourage productivity later.
so thankful for your encouragement!
xoxo
K
Kacia, I’m so glad that you’ve been talking about rest. It’s been challenging me, and I need to keep hearing it. Thanks for letting us in!
Well, It’s something I need to hear too!!! And tell me when you’re so tired of me talking about it :) oxoxxo
I am thankful I found this post through casey\’s link up. Sabbath is such a vital part of life and such a gift that God has given us. But your right, in this age it is hard to stop. Hard to turn off. Hard to remember the beauty in rest. I pray that you all can.
So happy you’re here, Meghan! [ps! my first name is meghan too :)]
I can’t wait to go check out your blog!!
Blessed that somehow you were encouraged! xoxoxo
I have been reading a book by Lauren Winner called Mudhouse Sabbath. She converted from Orthodox Judaism to Christianity and wanted to incorporate some of the rich traditions and spiritual practices of Judaism into her life as a Christian. Each chapter presents a different Jewish spiritual practice that she feels can really enrich the lives of Christians. The very first chapter is about the Sabbath. I REALLY loved it. Super simple. After explaining what the Sabbath is all about, her main push is that we should take time for rest. It doesn’t have to be about all the rules, but mainly, what does Sabbath look like for you, your family, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Mudhouse-Sabbath-Invitation-Spiritual-Discipline/dp/1557255326/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1#_
ordering this NOW. also? Calling you this weekend.
xoxo
When I was growing up, Sunday was for church and family and maybe homework. that was IT. No friends. No TV. No going anywhere other than church and grandma\’s house. We rested.
Sometimes I wish my life wasn\’t so busy that I relied on Sundays to do things like grocery shop and work. That I wasn\’t cleaning the bathroom or vacuuming on a Sunday. My parents would NEVER do those things. Never.
I want to know how to teach my kids to rest. Because right now? I am not modeling it very well.
YES Katie! I echo EVERYTHING you just said – let’s encourage one another in this, yeah???? I would love that.
As a mom with older school age kids (12,6), I’ve found that they need that down time Sundays provide. It’s rough for me to be going going all day but for kids who have school all day and then whatever we have to so in the evenings it’s no wonder twy are exhausted. We actually have been going to church Saturday evenings and this has worked for us well. Sunday is the one day we can sleep in and then just be together in the house. I’m thankful for Sundays! ;)
P.S. I LOVE the way you dress Harlow!
aw! Thanks Dyan!! It was crazy – even Harlow napped better on Sunday! Maybe that was her little gift to us :)
This is so wonderful! I will pray for you as you get into this beautiful habit with your family. We started a day of rest about a year ago. At first it was a challenge for us – my husband literally had to learn how to be still – and we were surprised by how many people scoffed at our goal. After this time, we now struggle if our Sunday is disturbed by some extenuating circumstance. Congrats to you and your family for having the faith and courage to take small steps back to something wonderful. Ill look to you for support when we lose our way or get scoffed at.
Thank you Vanessa! If there is any way I can encourage you, I pray that I can!!
I have felt God’s peace so much more all week long when I have been keeping my Sundays for Him and my family. For me, rest just can’t be this lofty concept…it has to be something I’ve planned and am super intentional about. I’d love to hear what this ends up looking like for you…and I hope you weekend is full of REST!
Sarah! We made a point to rest this past Sunday – I”M HOOKED.
I think I can apply the same to working out … when I do something…i go ALL in, or I don’t do it. I need to learn that balance thing… ugh! You have helped that in a lot of ways!! Thank you for your encouragement!
Crazy? Maybe. Loved? FOR SURE yes!
Yeah :) i think i’m okay with the crazy :) :) :)
xoxo