Keep work in perspective.
You are exhausted from putting in an eight-hour workday, picking up children, and cooking dinner. On top of that, you have the bible study you have to prepare for and a house that hasn't been clean for weeks. When do you have time for friends?
For the sake of your sanity and mental health, you need time for friends. Your husband, boyfriend, or family cannot meet all of the needs the Lord built in you for intimacy and support. Just last night I was venting to my husband, and he immediately went into 'fix-it' mode. I explained that I wasn't looking for answers or a problem to be fixed, I just wanted to vent. He can't understand that I can talk about a problem or issue with no desire for it to be fixed. Instead, I'm seeking empathy and understanding, not a 12-step plan.
This is where my good friends come into the picture. The Lord built within a woman the gift of empathy and understanding. When I unload my worries to Shelly or Christine, I know they understand me. And the wisdom, insight and prayer they offer are water to a thirsty soul. If it wasn't for the friends the Lord brought across my path, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Good friends encouraged me to wait on the Lord for a husband. Good friends supported my writing pursuits. Good friends help me to keep my eyes on the Lord.
So put down that load of laundry. Pick up the phone right now and call a good friend. Schedule a time to go out for coffee or go to a park to talk. The sooner you get together with your friend, the less stressed out you'll be. And when mommy is happy, everyone is happy.
Remember work is called 'work' is because it is 'work.' Society has elevated work to become a nirvana of satisfaction and fulfillment. In major business magazines, such as "Fast Company," we read of people working in dream jobs where they make the money they want; have the perfect work environment and boss. These articles can leave us feeling dissatisfied with our work.
To keep work in perspective:
Enjoy your children. My son is 2 1/2 and I'm taking care of a 13-year-old niece, Annie. It's very easy to be distracted from what's really important by being preoccupied with work or church responsibilities. Your children will never tell you, "You need to enjoy me because I'm going to be gone in a few years." Now it's important to build a solid foundation of a relationship with them. And you will never have enough time. If you wait for the right moment, it may come when they are leaving your house. To enjoy my son and niece, I deliberately put aside the task and play with him, or I'll sit down to talk to Annie. Christopher enjoys playing basketball and reading, so I put down whatever seems important to be with him. Annie likes hanging out at the mall. Usually that important task dims in light of the sheer joy of seeing my son smile or hearing him sing. Many times our children are secondary to the things that seem important. Make an effort to enjoy your children today. Their smiles, songs and antics are more valuable in the long run than any other project or task. Although you may never get a promotion or an award, the Lord is honored when you treasure your children as much as He does. If you have a "tip of the day" please email it and I will post it.
Created by Leilani Haywood.