Mom Says "I Need A Break!"

Photo: Liz Navarrete

As a mom, you may have thought this, but have you ever said it out loud? And who did you say it to?--your best friend or your co-worker or your parents or your spouse? If God needed a day of rest after six days of work, and He tells us to take a day of rest every week, then clearly He knows that you need a break at times from everything, including a few moments away from the kids.

Thanksgiving may not be the easiest time to get your break because your work load at home has increased significantly this week. Your kids are off school, so you have to figure out how to keep them entertained. You have people coming over for Thanksgiving dinner, so you have to clean, cook, and then clean some more. You have to do some shopping on black Friday in order to save a couple of bucks. You have a whirlwind of activities planned the next month until Christmas. So, no--it may not be the best time to get a little break.

But at least think about what type of break you need and plan it for...maybe January? Is it selfish to get away for an hour or an evening? No! It it loving because it should refresh you. And if you are refreshed, then you will be better equipped to continue loving and serving your family (and hopefully be less grumpy)!

Most importantly, what do you need during your time away? Sleep? Social time? Pampering? A meal you did not have to cook? A favorite book? A blank canvas? A long run? Whatever you need during this time, I encourage you to spend some time with Jesus. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? (Matthew 6:25). "Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken" (Psalm 55:22). "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). "Those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary" (Isaiah 40:31).