A Mom's Moment to Refresh

While standing in the laundry room, I couldn’t help but get lost in the soothing sound of the warm dryer.  I was tired.  Drained.  Exhausted.  With the children on the other side of the door calling my name, I just didn’t think I had anymore to give that day. 


Mothers’ days are filled with many roles.  At my home in a given day, I am the chef and baker, personal chauffeur and assistant, caretaker, janitor, hair stylist, nurturer, disciplinarian, lecturer, listener, backyard safety officer, homework helper, runny nose-wiper, boo-boo kisser, bedroom inspector, tooth brusher instructor, bible teacher, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. 

 

Before having children, to free myself from life’s necessities, I often drove to the beach to refresh.  There in the sun’s rays, the soft sound of the waves hitting the sand on the beach would quiet my mind and soul and reenergize me.  Motherhood is a true gift from God but if we are not careful, we may find ourselves focusing on our family’s needs so much that we forget the importance of finding a moment for us to refresh.  

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16

Jesus was a man that gave of himself daily.  Large crowds sought Him.  The multitudes gathered at His feet to be healed of different diseases.  Every step.  Every turn of the head.  Everywhere He looked someone needed something. All who came to Him were healed, loved, and encouraged. Jesus met every need but He too recognized He needed time to refresh.    


In Luke 5:16, Jesus found a way to be refreshed. He found a way to rest and relax for a moment.  He made it a priority to often get to a quiet place and receive from the Father through prayer.  I am sure as He withdrew during these times it was not without people all around Him still at His feet, still seeking Him out.  But He knew He must refresh.
 

Nowadays, going to the beach is not exactly an option; however, several years of going past empty without moments to refresh created a Mom who was constantly flustered, agitated and short tempered towards my family. I was unable to enjoy the season God had me in.  Intentionally finding moments in the day to refresh has brought a newfound love and happiness for the season I am in.  It’s brought clarity to my mind.  My children are no longer met with a frazzled washed-out parent, but rather with a gentler and more understanding parent in their day. 

 
As with most Moms, are you tired, empty, and drained from taking care of your family’s needs along with the other tasks of the day?  Think how wonderful it is that Jesus, who had the weight of all the needs of this world on his shoulder, was able to find moments to refresh.   

 

How can you get refreshed today?  By adding a few changes to your routine, you can change your mood and attitude for the better.    

 
Music refreshes me.  These days I still could get lost in the sounds of the dryer but I have learned I can get refreshed while in the laundry room by listening to some good praise and worship music.  Try playing some praise music as soon as you step in the laundry room or while you are folding clothes.  Try Pandora Music stations on your smart phone, ipad, or tablet.  Not only does it feed your soul, but it also feeds your children’s soul and makes for a happy home.   I do this too while cooking in the kitchen.

 
An hour nap refreshes me. When the children would go down for a nap this was a great time to turn on the box fan, silence the phone, put a do not disturb note on the front door and rest for an hour.  Sometimes this is just what I needed….. sleep!

 
His word refreshes me.  Do not neglect reading His word.  God’s word is alive and active.  It brings life to our bones.  It’s great to read bible stories to our children but it’s just as important for us to have time alone with God. A moment with God, whether reading the bible or praying, can give me that little extra recharge I need. If Jesus thought it was important to do so then we should too. 

 
What are some other ways you refresh in the day? You never know if the words you say are the exact words another tired Mom needed to hear.  Feel free to share other ways for Moms to refresh in the comment section of this post.

 
Prayer:  Lord, thank you for my family but I need refreshing.  Show me moments in my day to be recharged.  Help me have time in my day to be alone with you.  I know in these moments I will be refreshed.