I made a mistake yesterday.
Actually, I’ve made the same mistake time and time again. And, as I thought about it this morning, I thought YOU might take some good from my mistake.
So, here it goes.
I had been speaking at a wonderful homeschool convention in Michigan. One of my friends from the 1990s was there, presenting with her husband. Karey Swan is one of those people that you just want to sit down and listen to, drinking from her stories and her perspective. In her presentation this weekend, she, once again, reminded me of our deep need to have space in our life for quiet, for creativity, for living.
I remember being impacted by that notion when I first heard it. We had had the privilege of spending some time at Monte and Karey’s home in the Rocky Mountains back in the mid-90s, and I can still remember how amazed I was at how much living these two accomplished. It wasn’t that they did it all. No one can. But what Monte and Karey did do was make choices of what was important, of what was worth spending time and energy on. Her example of intentionally keeping her life uncluttered from the crazy busyness that can engulf homeschoolers helped me to make some choices to simplify my life, too.
However, I am done homeschooling. My kids are grown, our life has changed. So, what have I done to fill the gap? Work! Work, work, work, work, work!! Now, don’t get me wrong. Work is good. But as with all good things, too much of it is bad. As I can personally attest, “All work and no play make ______________ (fill in the name) a dull woman, wife, mom.”
But Karey’s presentation reminded me once again, as she spoke deeply of the need, even in this season of life, to celebrate life, to rest, to savor and enjoy quiet, creativity and living. I was in awe of the way she has continued to live out her life in an intentional, hospitable, creative, mentoring, serving, loving way. And, once again, I thought, “Yes!! I need to walk with this celebration and joy in my life!!”
But, what can I say? Old habits die hard.
We drove home Monday from the convention, through the snowstorm, to our little home. And yesterday, instead of savoring and resting and crocheting my grandson’s birthday present (which is what I really wanted to do), I jumped with both feet into answering emails and writing newsletters and all the minutiae of stuff of coming home. By the time the day was over, I was disgruntled, disappointed, disastrously tired.
Like I said, I made a mistake.
This morning, however, I recognized that what I need to do is give myself permission to not do it all. I need to recognize the need for rest. I need to make room for my need to be creative with my hands, not just my words.
And, dear friend, with all that is on your plate, I imagine you might need that same kind of permission.
So, here it is. For what it’s worth, I encourage you to take time in your day-to-day life for space, for quiet, for creativity, for celebration, for laughter and fun.