No One Can Serve, As An Empty Vessel

I was able to spend some time in the mountains a little over a week ago. It was my first time ever staying not just one, but two nights away from my little guy.

I have had a few hours sprinkled here and there since he has been born, that while my parents or in-laws have watched him, I have been able go grocery shopping, attend doctors appointments, or spend the day cleaning or resting in my home alone.

But never before an over night stay from him...

I was quite hesitant to begin with. And to be honest, the thought of traveling across the state and being away from him for 2 and half days made me want to cry.

But at the same time, a break sounded AMAZING.

So with my amazing hubby's encouragement, I decided to take the opportunity I was given, and allow myself a few days mental and physical rest.

And despite missing my baby and my hubby HORRIBLY, I enjoyed myself.

I was able to let go mentally of being "mama" for an extended period of time, and just be me.

And the result of that was coming back home eager and ready to give more to my little guy, than I had in awhile.

I have always had a difficult time letting go of being "mama" and just letting myself be "Angel", and not feeling guilty. Even when it is just for a few hours at a time.

But after giving birth to Flynn, and several months of giving, giving, and more giving to my family, and not putting back and replenishing my own stores, I burned out.

I had to learn the hard way, that NO one, not even so called super moms, can constantly give, without becoming drained themselves.

Motherhood is the BEST job I have ever had. But also the most difficult.

In order for me to continue to grow and become a better mama for my little guy, I have to take care of myself.

And sometimes that means taking a step back, breathing in the rest the LORD provides, and letting someone else step in and take over for a bit.

And you know what. That is Biblical. Our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ did it Himself while living on this earth 2,000 years ago.

In Mark 4:35-41, we read about how after teaching the multitudes for days, he said to HIS disciples "Let us pass to the other side of the sea of Galilee."

And while Jesus was in the boat, HE laid down and went to sleep. HE rested. And HE prepared HIMSELF for the next task to be done.

And from time to time, I need to do just that as well. And not feel guilty.

To just take a small step away from job at hand, and REST.

"Rest and self care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel."

~Eleanor Brown

 

How about you?

 

Does rest and letting go come naturally for you? Or do your seem to struggle and feel guilty about "letting go"?

 

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!

Angel

Of Learing to Rest

 

Can you believe it? My baby took two naps today without hesitation!

 

That is an outright miracle folks.

 

Typically he only wants to nap in the morning for maybe an hour and a half. And then if he takes an afternoon nap, he usually screams in protest for 15 minutes and then only sleeps for about 30 minutes.

 

But today he slept 2 hours in the morning and has been asleep now for an hour and a half. :D

 

Typically during naptime I try and get as much house work as I can done. And that is what I did this morning.

 

I thought about trying to get some more deeper cleaning done for the afternoon nap.

 

But do you want to know what I did instead?

 

I listened to my exhausted mind and body and rested.

 

I brewed a cup of decaf coffee, grabbed the monitor, my camera, and headed outside to my new favorite sitting spot.

 

 

And I just listened to the wind and the birds in the trees.

 

I looked at the leaves all changing colors and just breathed deeply of mental and physical rest.

 

And I am so thankful I did.

 

 

As a new mom, I find it very hard to rest most days. To just sit and recover from the stress of day to day life. I can never seem to shut my brain off on what needs to be accomplished.

 

But I need to from time to time.

 

We all do for that fact.

 

 

Rest is a very good thing.

 

"There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither."

Alan Cohen

 

How about you? Do you find it difficult to make time for rest? What simple act of rest restores your mind and body?

 

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!

Angel

A Quick Way to Blend Creativity Into Your Walk With GOD

Two things that I have struggled with doing since becoming a mom is regular devotions and being creative.

 

I keep making excuse after excuse for not doing devotions. Mainly how I do not have an overabundance of mental energy with a new baby.

 

And as for not doing anything very creative, it can be pretty hard to find time for anything past keeping me, my husband, and the tiny human alive. ;)

 

Which is not a good thing. I NEED my time in the Word to stay focused on my LORD. And I NEED time to do something creative to keep my sanity in check.

 

Or at least somewhat in check... :D

 

I recently came up with a quick idea to help with both needs. Journaling one verse a day.

 

 

I am making it my goal to try and write down one verse of scripture in a journal daily. Or as often as my terrible mom brain allows me to remember...

 

Following my morning workout, I lay Flynn down for his morning nap, wait until he is actually asleep and done protesting very loudly,and grab my journal, pens, phone, and Bible. I then find a comfy corner, usually the couch or on the floor by the front door, and settle in for a wee bit.

 

 

I have the "Bible by Tecarta" app on my phone. And everyday it has a new verse to read. I open the app on my phone, get the verse reference and then find it in my paper Bible.

 



 

I read the verse, and often times the entire chapter of that passage. Then I choose what color pens I want to use that day, and write down the featured verse, and doodle a little bit on the page.

 

And then I am done. Simple, easy peasy way to get in a wee bit of creativity, and much needed time with my LORD. :)

 

What are some simple quick ways you find to spend with the LORD? How about a creative outlet? Do you a favorite go to for that?

 

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!

Angel