How often do I wish that life -- or more specifically, my children -- would stand still for just a few hours so that I could catch up with things? And this week, they are all three in VBS from 9-noon, and I just don't know what to do with the time! I'm paralyzed by my liberty.
I feel uncomfortably untethered...like that hellium balloon at the other end of the pink curling ribbon that my then-3-year-old Fifi would purposefully let go of as soon as her feet crossed the threshold of the store from which we had just purchased it.
I need a plan and a list. Otherwise Friday will roll around and all I'll have to show for it is 5 Green Tea Frappaccinos, this post, and some silly, mindless, worthless, time-killing window shopping.
Is this how those "others" live everyday? How long could I really enjoy dropping my kids somewhere in the morning so that I could spend most every afternoon at the salon or the gym or at the cafe with a friend? My children make me feel grounded, I guess. I could get used to this, I suppose, but I'm deciding right now that I don't want to get used to it. It's not good. It might look good, but having nothing to do but serve self is not good.
6 comments:
I think this hit me when I had all three at school full time. They were 11, 9, and 5. It was very strange having the house to myself and very quiet.
By the time the youngest was 8 I decided to go back into education. 6 years later I've got a degree, and want to set up working as a studio potter at home.
No way could I see that 6 years ago. What God has for us can be so suprising!
Enjoy your time off, and don't feel guilty about it, use it to recharge the batteries.
When I was home with mine, I never went anywhere without them, and I taught in VBS when they went. I also directed our Mother's Day Out program until they started school, then I became the church secretary. I can't stand not having them around.
It's a temporary break, though, so don't feel guilty about taking advantage of some "me" time.
So, what you all are saying is that I'm not actually crazy? *relieved sigh* Oh, good. Because sometimes I wonder -- I really do wonder.
I do need the time. To be quiet, visit with a friend, and do some curriculum shopping without my "chirping birds."
Thanks for the understanding words and encouragement.
Hmmm...well, I've had the feeling both ways. I've had them take off for the day with their daddy to give "mommy a break" only to be at complete loose ends. However, when they went camping for three days last week, I have to say...I really enjoyed it! And I think homeschool moms in particular, need those times here and there.
I think it helped me this last time to sort of have a list of things I at least hoped to accomplish...even if a few things on the list were actually pampering-relaxing things like reading on my sunny deck with no interruptions.
But wow...when they did come back, was I ever glad to see them! :)
I'm with you on that one. Sometimes I wish I had time to myself but then when I get it, I don't really know what to do with it. I love that my kids make my life more of an adventure!!
If you had that time to yourself all the time, you may not appreciate it near as much. Enjoy!
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