Too Busy- Cultivating a Heart for Motherhood Obstacle #3

“How we spend our days, is of course, how we spend our lives.” Annie Dillard, An American Childhood

We’ve been talking obstacles, and here is the next one:

Obstacle #3- We are too busy.

When my oldest, Britton, was just a wee one, I was given a tape {yes, a tape!} on the seasons of motherhood by Beverly Bradley.  That tape changed the course of my mothering from then ’til now.  She told how she was a highly involved pastor’s wife, serving on committees, heading a homeschool group, speaking out for the unborn at rallies, etc.

One day, as she was in the midst of serving all of these other people, her son asked why they were always busy and she rarely had time to spend playing with him.  It broke her heart. The next day she went and resigned from all the good ministry. Were they good, important things? Yes, but she did not want to waste the precious time she had to invest in her kid’s hearts.

Those ministries were better left, she decided, for another season in life. She went home to tell her son what she had done. He was already in bed, so she rubbed his back and told of her decision. He started weeping and whispered quietly, thank you.

I wonder how many of our little ones would voice the same thing if they could?

We’re too busy, so we miss time in the Word (obstacle #1). And, when we slow down, it is easier to keep from getting overwhelmed (obstacle #2).

“The season of young children is a time to refrain. Refrain from most outside activities, even some church activities. Now is a time to be faithful in discipline…it’s the springtime of mothering. Redeem the time, don’t waste it.” -Sono Harris

When we hurry, we tend to get impatient, and leave little room in our life for simple joys or spontaneity. Somehow we have bought into the lie that being home just isn’t good enough.

Whether it’s fun activities, ministry, or general good things, we have to learn to say no. And saying no can also mean limiting the computer, phone, and social media.  It’s important to leave margin in our lives to spend focused on hearing the hearts of our children.

We have to un-hurry.

“Some of us must address the issue of hurry if we are to live the grace-filled lives God calls us to live.  So take a deep breath, let it out slowly, pause to pray, and enjoy an un-hurried day.” Glynnis Whitwer, An Unhurried Life

Yes, you say, but then I’ll be bored! I hear you.  If you hang tight with me through this series, I have lots of ideas of how to fill your time intentionally.

But my children like to get out! I understand, but just because my kids want to eat cookies doesn’t mean I give cookies anytime they want. Too much of a good thing is, well, too much.

Am I saying stay home and never go anywhere? Not at all! We just have to be careful that we are not over-scheduling our lives, and missing out on the opportunities to enjoy the small things. You know deep in your heart where that balance lies. 

“By walking away from a busy, accomplishment-oriented society into a quiet world of deep relationship, service, and home-life, I will establish a far-reaching legacy that extends throughout many generations.” -Laura Booz, Blogger Behave
Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Am I rushing from one thing to the next?
• Do I have space in my life to just enjoy my kids?
• Do I feel stressed if I have a day free, with nowhere to go and nothing to do?
• Do I have a hard time saying no to things, especially when they are good things like ministry or another church activity?
• Do I secretly feel that being home isn’t enough?
• Do I have trouble sleeping, thinking of all the things I have to do the next day?

Click here to download the printable

Related post: Making Family Your Primary Ministry at The Better Mom

What are your thoughts? Do you feel like your life is too busy?