Perfect Timing
My idea of perfect time includes tasty coffee, complete silence, and no interruptions. I crave time alone to plan, to create, to write, to read.
After almost thirteen years of parenting, I wonder if I need to change my definition of perfect time.
It’s imagination that says I accomplish great things after everyone else is asleep. The opposite is often true. My brain is bleary from the work of the day, so I stare at the wall or click link after link on the never-ending internet. Then next morning an empty coffee cup follows me because I experienced perfect time.
Instead of pining for hours of quiet and wasting the rare moments of solitude, can I be diligent in the minutes I have throughout the day?
It is hard to focus in the multitasking of motherhood and homeschool, but what if I fill in the lesson plans while my son works on his math? What if I type out a few sentences when inspiration strikes?
What if I stop grumbling about not having time alone and focus more on why I’m not alone?
I get to homeschool three amazing children. It is messy and delightful, frustrating and rewarding. There are so many things wrapped up in this choice, but I don’t want it any other way (usually).
great post! I sometimes find myself geting annoyed and pushing my kids away…if I could only get a little breathing room…when if I just pull them a little closer I feel so much better. That a Girls Night Out or Date Night help tons!
April ´s last blog ..Sunday Citar- Loving Others
April,
Yes! My kids can create with me, and they can have a quiet time, too. I could use a couple more nights out, but I just need to make them happen or be content.
How appropriate, Renea. I often find myself in the same situation. But then, having my work spread on the dining room table, smack in the middle of all the goings-on, where I can just do a few minutes here and a few minutes there, is where I get the most work done.
Carol J. Alexander´s last blog ..How To Homeschool
Carol,
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
There are some things I really can’t do without the quiet, but I need to determine what those things are. The list might not be quite as long as I tend to think it is. ;)
And why do I think I need to work on a project from start to finish? That would be nice, but working on things a bit at a time also gets the job done. For instance, I don’t have to plan all of school at once. I can work on literature, then math, etc. Whew.
Renae´s last blog ..The Importance of Short Lessons
I have to agree. I keep things nearby that I need to take care of while the kids are working on something. And even when I am having my quiet time reading my book in bed I usually have two little bodies laying next to me that have fallen asleep because they just want to be near me. What better way to have “me time” than to be curled up with the people you love.(sometimes :p ) Great post Renea!
Rana´s last blog ..Lego Quest – Citiscape
Rana,
What a wonderful picture you’ve painted! I have even read my book to my kids on occasion. That works, too. :)
Renae´s last blog ..The Importance of Short Lessons
Oh how true! I very much needed this reminder. It does help so much when I choose to enjoy the kids and my time with them, rather than pining away for time alone. Those alone times do come, and I then need to enjoy them, but not idolize them. :-)
Christa,
Your words struck me this morning. I have idolized alone time. All I truly have is this moment, and I want to be fully attentive to it.
Renae´s last blog ..The Importance of Short Lessons
So true, Renae! My quiet time right now is when I’m nursing my baby or when I’m rocking him to sleep. I treasure those moments because I know they won’t last.
Sandpiper´s last blog ..Treasures of the Snow
Your words are so true! I know I find myself refreshed when I do get a few (rare) moments alone, but the rest of the chaotic moments with everyone else are the real treasures.
I found your blog via the discussion on the Homeschool Village fb page~love it!
Lora´s last blog ..Menu Plan Monday- July 26th
[...] Perfect Timing – Life Nurturing Education Renae posts a wonderful reflection about what her desire to have some alone time really does for her after it’s all done. (Hint: It’s not as peaceful as you might think.) [...]
You are so right about this. So often, we just need to examine WHY we want things to realize that our true hearts desire can be found in other ways. Contentment and happiness are choices we make. Great post!
Melissa´s last blog ..Fishing
You describe something very familiar to me. I think this will always be a struggle for moms. Even now, with two of mine on their own, I find that while they may not call as often as I’d like, when they do call I’m in the middle of something I’m working on. So I’m still putting things aside for my kids, but it’s easier now.
BTW, God usually blesses that by giving me inspiration and energy later on to make up for the time I spent with my child, just as He did when they were younger.
Good post!
I’ve recently come to realize that it is not “my time”, but it is God’s time. When I stop fighting for “my time” I am blessed by the time God gives me.
The 24 /7 nature of homeschooling children sure can make us long for some time to ourselves, but you’re right – creative thinking, balance and a good attitude sure do help. I have some friends with very young kids who are desperately craving some time of solitude, and friends with children who are nearly grown who are missing those times they had them at home. That’s helping remind me to enjoy where we are at right now and what we have today, no matter how green the grass looks elsewhere. Enjoy your family!
Good reminders here! I enjoyed this post.
Margaret´s last blog ..A Sunday to remember
So true! (But I still identify with your definition of perfect time)
Molly Green´s last blog ..Freebie Friday