By Lorrie Flem
We have all heard the line, “Just say no.” In fact it is becoming so common that the good idea has worn off and it has nearly become devoid of meaning. I know this to be true because of my own life. I didn’t say no...
Recently I wrote a friend an apology for not sending her a thank you note for a baby gift. As I was explaining how horrid I was with anything that required an old-fashioned paper and pen, I was struck by the sadness of my words. I can type so much faster than I can write, at least if you want to read what I wrote! But a typewritten note or email can never convey the warmth of a handwritten note.
Just last week I got a simple handwritten letter from a very well known author. I treasure it for two reasons. One, its kind words were written by her own hand on a pretty piece of stationery, directly to me. Second, I don’t get many letters from famous people!
Why don’t I have time to write a note slowly enough so that you can read it? I could not even find a piece of stationery to be honest with you—and honest with you I must be. Ouch. Why don’t I have time to vacuum? Why didn’t I sit and play with the baby more today? I lead a life that is too complicated to take full pleasure in. I am robbing myself!
Last night I read a book that brought it all sharply into focus for me. I read Deborah Hough’s book on simplicity, A Simple Choice.* The Lord has been strongly convicting me (read bashing me over the head with numerous 2" x 4"s to get my attention!) that I need to slow down. If I don't have time to read a story unless it is on my schedule, then I don't have time for the important things in life.
How awful I am that I have let things get this bad—I am behind in absolutely everything except my time with the Lord. My house is overflowing (even worse after Christmas). My calendar has too many things in it. We are eating too many dinners that I know I have just thrown together and not really spent time joyfully preparing and praying over. I can barely keep up with the laundry, and if I am caught up with it, then I am behind on something else!
What an unpleasant feeling, yet at the same time I realize that I am so blessed to have these wonderful problems. I am counting my blessings and praising the Lord, because I know that I could easily be in need of so many things. Instead, I am battling with overabundance—thank you, Lord—for an excess of things and commitments.
I am going to be prayerfully cutting back on some duties and getting rid of extra junk. I have a goal. I want to have my children see my face instead of the back of my head at the computer or the side of my head that isn’t attached to the phone. I am so looking forward to this. Thank you, Deborah, for a book of exhortation, a book that reminded me that some of life’s simple pleasures are rich in joy, a book that helped me refocus, slow down, and smell the roses.
I had taken on some responsibilities that were deceiving. Originally they appeared to be things that were truly important and not overwhelming. As is often the case, there was a tremendous amount of time and work required and before I knew it, I was buried. And the truth is, too much of anything, even good things, is bad.
On September 11 our nation experienced a horrific act of terrorism. For Americans the really important things in our lives became easier to see. It was like 13 years ago when my daddy was killed in a plane crash. I remember the dead feeling inside of me. I felt devoid of emotion. It was as if life had become black and white. It had lost its color. How easy it was at that time to see what was important. I could effortlessly distinguish between things that would bring a fleeting joy, and ones that were eternally essential. I want to distinguish between what is of lasting value and what is not worth my time.
Have you have been feeling like this? I pray that you will approach the throne of God with me and let yourself experience the, “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” He cares for us, even when we dig our own pits that we wallow in. God is so good. I believe busyness is a stronghold that Satan has over many mothers.
I challenge you to make some changes along with me. I want to have time to go for walks, read together, and laugh and play together. I am going to be wearing my hat labeled “Mommy” more often and less wearing the others labeled: church, gym, email, etc. Let’s spend more time on what is eternally important. Let’s band together and reclaim time to stop and smell the roses.
"The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish
one tears hers down.” Proverbs 14:1.
* A Simple Choice, Deborah Hough, A practical guide for saving your time, money and sanity.
Lorrie Flem has been honored to be the happy rib of Randy for 20 years. They make their home in Maple Valley, Washington until they reach the mansion Jesus is preparing for them. She considers it a privilege to be a stay-at-home homeschooling mom to their always precious and often precocious eight children.
Lorrie has always been prone to talk and as a result she has written a number of books, is the publisher of TEACH Magazine, a FREE bi-monthly ezine, and speaks nationally at conferences, retreats, and teas. Lorrie is known for her humorous and gentle words of encouragement to other keepers of the home. See her and get a sample of TEACH – The Magazine that Puts the Home in Homeschooling – For Mothers of Today with Yesterday’s Values, at www.TEACHmagazine.com.
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