Well, we're almost to that wonderful time of the year called summer vacation! So if it's vacation time, why do so many of us wind up feeling more stressed out by the time it's all over?
For this simple reason: We become so focused on helping our husbands and kids take a break, we forget that we need one too!
Yes, you heard me right. Moms need a break! And if you don't have a plan on how to take one before summer is over, you have no one to blame but yourself.
I bought a card once that said this: "We are mom. We are cook and chauffeur, psychologist and doctor, cat-litter scooper and dogcatcher too. We are keeper of tissues, blower of noses, finder of remote controls. We are woman. We are strong!"
On the inside of the card, it said, "We are very, very tired!" Does that describe you—and summer is just beginning! Do you feel like everyone in your family is going to have a vacation except for you?
If so, it's time for you to take a break! But, how? It starts by recognizing that you have needs too—and it's good for you to take time to meet those needs. I read this and believe it's true, that "Taking a break is not selfish, but self-preserving." The fact is that after caring for our own needs a bit, we're better equipped to meet the needs of those who depend on us.
Just make sure it's the type of break that YOU need. Don't compare your needs to anyone else's. What one person needs is not necessarily what another person needs!
What do YOU need? Do you need time to just sit down for a half hour a day to read a novel, to take a walk, to take a nap, to work out, to talk to a friend on the phone, to read the newspaper?
"Yeah, but I have a friend who has more kids than I do, and she goes 24-7 without EVER taking a break for herself." That may be good for her, but what's good for you?
Find out what you need to do for yourself that refreshes you so you can be a happy wife and mother.
Then do it! It's not just good for YOU, it's good for your family in the long run when you take a break. So treat your family—and yourself—to a real vacation this summer...while there's still time!
Are you tired? Worn out...? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.
(Matt. 11:28 The Message)
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