Stepping Back to Step Out

     Being a stay-at-home Mom (SAHM) is what I've always wanted to do with my life. Of course I have other goals unrelated to children, but there is something special and sacred about having children and spending your days with them. Even when I was in high school, I can recall having the desire to be a SAHM. Climbing the ladder with my kids up into their swing set has always seemed more appealing than slowly attempting to climb the corporate ladder.

     Our days at home are full, I can tell you that much! Caring for a one-year-old, keeping up with the creativity and imagination of a 3-year-old, fixing lunches and snacks, playing outside, working on various preschool skills, and so many more tasks keep a Mom busy! And with a very highly emotionally attached 1-year-old who seems to only want me, and my 3-year-old who also desires to be close to Mom, it was time for me to take a step back. No, I didn't start applying for jobs. I joined a bible study that meets once a week on Monday nights. 

     The first night I attended, I had a handful of reasons why I shouldn't be going. Dinner wasn't quite ready. My husband was working late and would barely make it home for me just to leave. The kids would be crying because they were sad Mom was leaving. I felt tired. Excuses, excuses, excuses. And my husband tenderly looked at me as my mind raced and said, "Turn off your brain, open your heart, and get going. I've got this." So I kissed the crying kids and headed out the door to get some time of refreshment and fellowship.

     Often times, the thing that needs to happen is the very thing we don't want to do. I needed to leave tonight so that I could have some time to focus, reflect, and be refreshed. And yet, leaving was what was so hard to do. Leaving to do a bible study (or, fill in the blank for you) gives a SAHM some much needed time away from the kids to clear your head, fill your mind, and feel refreshed. What is something you've been holding back with that could really refresh you in the season of life you find yourself?