My wife had written this post recently for another blog space. It is written to parents with special needs children in the homeschool world.
Do you ever feel like life is a blur? Are you just going through the motions? Do you feel like you’re behind before you even start the day? I know how that feels too.
Rest is productive
I have to remind myself every year that white space on the calendar is a good thing. Scheduling off-time is crucial. Our society pushes us to believe that we must always do something and that rest is unproductive. You don’t really NEED to sleep 8 hours do you? Six hours is enough, isn’t it?
Can I persuade you to believe that rest IS productive? Taking time to rest enables you to be the best version of yourself you can be. It allows you to fully be with your children. They become your mission and not your distraction.
Exhaustion is real
The beginning of the school year looms with all of the activities that it brings. Pair that with appointments, church activities extra-curriculars, and the daily tasks of housekeeping and you have a recipe for exhaustion. This is especially true in my family of ten!
Plan white space
Can I encourage you to take a day a week, an hour a day or 5 minutes an hour and just do nothing? To just Breathe? Here are some things you can do to recharge:
- Pray
- Take a walk
- Relax in a bubble bath
- Whatever it takes for you to unplug
This has helped me so much! I can go into the day with a clear focus because exhaustion no longer rules the day. We are so intentional with our families, but often neglect ourselves.
Welcome rest
So, as you go into this next school year, take a deep breath and say no to things you’re not called to (it is okay to say no). Say no to the things that drain you. Say yes to REST.
Remember that white space in your life brings a calming peace. Kids being bored is a good thing. That’s when imaginations come in and creativity abounds.
Say yes to white space…
You CAN do this..
By Cammie Arn
Tom Arn has ministered in many facets of the church, from children’s pastor, senior pastor, and currently as a Sunday School Teacher. He has General Ministries Degree. He began with short devotional Bible studies on his blog, Insights From Tom in 2014. He travels through each book of the Bible, chapter-by-chapter and section-by-section, writing what God places on his heart at the time.
Tom is happily married for 31 years to his wonderful wife Cammie. Together they share with everyone how God has blessed them with eight children and one precious grandchild. He desires that God may richly bless you, and make you more like Jesus everyday, drawing you closer to Him.
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