Time to BE



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I have a challenge for you.

Sit for 5 minutes on the couch - no interruptions allowed. No t.v., computer, cell phone, book, etc. Just you and your couch (or chair or floor). Set the timer for 5 minutes and just "BE".

1. Be grateful for everything that you have.
2. Be aware of the roof over your head.
3. Be aware of the priorities and goals in your life.
4. Be kind to yourself - grab a notebook and doodle happy faces. Whatever it takes to clear your mind of everything you need to do.

Time to sit and simply "BE".

Note - this isn't the time to obsess about everything you still have to do. You are NOT being lazy if you do this...you are being intentional with your time.

Obviously if you have a baby, you have to work around their schedule. Older kids still home with you? They can have "kid alone time". It's good for them too. They can sit in their room for 5 minutes and look at a book, "read" a book to their stuffed animals, play legos, draw a picture, etc.

When my kids were home with me, I found that if I spent some time with them before I wanted some time alone they were much more cooperative. Telling them I would spend time with them afterwards didn't work very well.

Quite honestly, it's harder for me to do this now that my kids are gone. Do you have any idea how much you can accomplish without kids at home? I was completely exhausted the first year I was home alone all day. I did everything I used to do when they were home AND a million more things. When my kids were home with me, I "had" to stop to play with them. I "had" to go to the park. I "had" to slow down to teach them things.

Enjoy the time with your kiddos home, but take 5 minutes for yourself too.

While 5 minutes is a great start, I would try to increase that amount of time to at least 15 minutes. Let me know if you try it - I'd love to hear your stories.

If you are a Christ follower, Psalm 46:10 is a great verse to reflect on.