“I’m sorry, but the number you have been trying to reach has been disconnected.”
Not really, but in my head, that’s how I felt during my time off, and it was wonderful! I chose to disconnect from the rush of things and slow down to spend time with my husband and kids.
I have missed putting my thoughts out there, but at the same time, I knew I needed a moment to refresh. Besides, what good would I be to anyone if I allowed myself to keep pushing forward when my body and mind were screaming “rest”?
We do a lot here in our family. Sometimes I think we do way too much. The problem is that, as a pastor, you feel the need to consistently be there for everyone, yet there comes a time when you need to rest for yourself. And believe it or not, those God has placed in your care really do understand.
Disconnecting doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
During my break, I took the time to delve into the world of fiction. I have always been an avid reader, and since having kids, I haven’t been able to do it as often as I like. However, now that they are getting older, I am able to enjoy it a little more frequently. It may only be for an hour a day, but that’s still better than none at all.
I am happy to say that I finished three books!
One of which is a new author I found and I am so glad I tried her out. I was looking for something with a little more mystery, yet was still Christian, and this was right on target. I had a hard time putting it down. There may have been a couple of really late nights involved.
Has inflation affected you?
I know it has us. It seems like just a simple trip to the grocery store has doubled in price, and I am a very frugal individual. However, I would rather pay the price at the grocery store than go out to eat. That cost for just the four of us has gotten outrageous. Plus, my kids say they prefer to eat at home. Imagine that!
Inflation is one of the reasons we decided to try and find some things we could do as a family around our home. We played games both video and cards, baked cookies, made biscuits, and had smore’s.
One day, my son and I sat on the porch and pulled seeds from our sunflowers and zinnias. It was a great learning experience and a good one for me to learn how to not be such a perfectionist. We had some good laughs. We learned that it takes a long time for a sunflower to fully dry. A week later, we are just finishing getting out the rest of the seeds.
My daughter and I took one day to go shopping while her brother was at karate with dad. It was more to just look than to buy. Yet, we may have a review of a couple of products in the future.
Our smore’s adventure didn’t get to happen outside as we had planned, but we improvised. We keep supplies on hand for doing smore’s, but we ran out of time to gather sticks for the fire. My son was amazed that you could do it on the stove.
The goal of the week was to relax and enjoy each other. I think we succeeded even with inflation.
My husband and I did take one day, the first part of the week, to do a little early morning thrifting, during which I scored a new Christmas tree. We later meet up with some wonderful friends for a double date. We found a new ice cream shoppe in Columbia, Tennessee, called “Hattie Jane’s Creamery”. It was amazing! They make their own ice cream with milk sourced from local cows. Here is a photo of our choice: the Turtle Brownie. If you are ever in that direction, it is a definite must-stop location.
It was a nice time for the two of us to take a moment and unwind. Every marriage needs some one-on-one time. We usually use those moments to have deeper conversations. I think we know that neither of us can go anywhere. Yet, there is always something so refreshing after having those conversations. A deeper bond results in our marriage.
Disconnecting Can save Your Sanity!
Taking the time to disconnect has helped me deal with everyday life. I can get overwhelmed, tired, and stressed over time. Yet, putting things aside and focusing on my family helps to bring a little fresh air in.
Rest doesn’t just have to be sleep. Rest consists of taking time out of our busy schedules to spend quality time with our spouse or family. It includes picking up a book, just for the fun of it, and reading.
As a woman, my sense that people “need” me tends to supersede the fact that I need some alone time. I keep my phone nearby for that “just in case” text from someone in the church or even just another family member. I want to make sure I am available if someone needs me.
If I don’t disconnect from time to time, I find myself becoming frustrated with the little things in life.
I am a mother, a wife, and a pastor’s wife. Someone always “needs” me. However, I have learned that I have to take a little time for myself so that when I am needed, I can give the quality care that is needed. If I don’t take time out for myself, then I cannot properly give what is needed. My answers become short, or I become very frustrated at the situation at hand. Yet, when I take time out for myself, I am able to clearly see the need and provide quality care.
Jesus gave us examples of taking a time out.
God made it a point to do what He needed to do within a given amount of time and then stopped, took a break, and rested. Look at Genesis 2:2.
“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”
He also took time to grieve (Matthew 14:13).
“When Jesus heard of it (John the Baptist being beheaded) he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart:…"
He made time for spiritual rest (Mark 1:35)
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
Jesus knew He needed rest. He sent the multitudes away so He could have a break. He boarded a ship, went to sleep, and expected those he ministered to (the disciples) to be able to fend for their own needs (Mark 4:38).
“And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow:…"
If you keep reading, you will see how He becomes frustrated at the fact that they couldn’t use what He had been teaching them. Instead of them trying to handle the situation on their own and using their faith, they woke Him from His rest. He rebuked them.
“...Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”
He taught others to rest as well (Mark 6:31).
“...Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”
Jesus knew His physical limitations as well (John 4:6).
“Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.”
Here’s my point: if Jesus took the time to disconnect and rest, then why shouldn’t we?
Don’t think that you have to do everything. Stop, disconnect, recharge, and then begin moving forward again. Your family will love you all the more for doing it.
**This message was brought to you by personal experience.
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Love the message of quality time spent with family in the midst of inflation, and giving ourself permission to step back and disconnect in order to rest and rejuvenate.
Thank you! For some of us, it requires effort to do just that. I know I’m included in that finger pointing. 🙂