Mom to Mom: Our Time

Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.

Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil.

What to do with the time that is given to us?  Many are asking that simple question lately.  There are “other forces” at work in the world…besides the will of evil. Our trust is not in this world, but in the God who created it – the same One who said, “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly!”  (John 10:10) Are we showing our children a fearful life during this uncertain time, or an abundant one?

While the older homeschoolers remember life before electronics and bulging schedules, most of us have the opportunity to relive that time and to experience a “simpler” home experience.  So, let’s begin a month of abundant living! Each day we can set aside time to really enjoy this month of fewer outside responsibilities. Here are some simple ideas to help.

1. Do an activity YOU enjoy.  Individual choice, group choice, your choice!
2. Put the phone down and have fun with each other.
3. Smile!  See how many times you can respond with a smile when catching eyes with someone.
4. Breathe.  Have you ever practiced deep, relaxed breathing?
5. Send a note to someone.
6. Journal.  Whether through writing, art, or photography, express thanks or chronicle the events of the day.
7. Walk outside and look for something intriguing!  You may be surprised at what you find.
8. Read a child’s book aloud.  So many simple lessons to absorb.
9. Sing. Dance.  Let music float through the house.
10. Memorize some comforting Scriptures – together as a whole family.  Make it fun!
11. Spend more time outdoors.  Weed the flower garden, sketch the early spring blossoms, play tag.
12. Pray.  Make blessings and thankfulness your number one focus.

We wish none of this had happened in our time, but here we are.  Now, what will we do with the time that is given to us? We can begin to put those “other forces” to work in making our own little world full of life – and life more abundant!