More Margin, Less Stress
In parenting classes I sometimes begin with an ice breaker. A favorite is, “If you had a day to yourself to do anything you’d like without any regard to time, money or distance, what would you do, where would you go, and with whom?”
Moms with younger children get animated with the thought of a day to whatever, wherever, with whomever. The answers have ranged from an exotic day at the beach or a trip to Paris to a day in a hammock with a good book or a romantic date for two. There’s always laughter, encouragement, and a few “Oh, that’s a great idea!”
What if we could carve out a small version of just that, time for each one of us to do some of the things we’d like to do and less stress about the things we think we have to do. What if in the busyness of the approaching holidays we set aside time to enjoy lunch with friends, a mini spa day at home (or at the spa), an evening curled up by the fire with a good Christmas novel? Better yet, what if we gave ourselves the gift of time; quiet time for prayer or study time to read God’s Word, time to spend with the people we love?
Last weekend I had a special activity planned with my nieces. The girls had chosen a recipe for cupcakes in a cook book I had given one of them for a birthday gift. I prepared the batter, baked the cakes, and had them cooling when the girls arrived. The house smelled chocolaty. The frostings were mixed. The sprinkles were ready. The Disney Princess Glitter Gels were open. The girls and I got creative, after we tasted the frosting and mini candies of course.
This was a perfect afternoon activity, especially after the HeartCORe Parenting Conference last Saturday. I’m not sure who had more fun, the little girls or me! Partway through a conversation regarding the shade of yellow in Belle’s ball gown I vowed I’d find more margin the next eight weeks.
Where to begin? The calendar and the to-do list.
What commitments are mandatory? What activities are negotiable?
How can the preparations for Thanksgiving and Christmas be streamlined?
What gifts will be meaningful, not just collect dust or need to be exchanged?
Who can I serve this holiday season?
How can I model peace and calm to my own family in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays?
Most importantly, how can I draw closer to the One who is the reason for the season?
My desire is to be more like Mary, while my personality is to be more like Martha…too busy with the details that probably really don’t matter to anyone but me.
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 [Tweet “My desire is to be more like Mary, while my personality is to be more like Martha.”]
This holiday season, I’m going to carve more time for God, family, and friends. Time to be with the ones I love, time to reflect, and time to enjoy the most beautiful time of the year.
©2014 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.