I am always incredibly torn when my children leave to visit their grandparents during the summer. I have no doubt that they will be well cared for and that they will have a great time. The truth is, I miss them like crazy. When they were little, the sleepless nights were brutal and I wished for “me time” or just a moment’s break but now that they are at a point of independence, it’s hard for me to truly accept the fact that this is only the beginning. They were merely loaned to me for a little while.
They are blessed kids because all of their grandparents are fantastic and contribute in whatever way they can from sewing all the bedding on their cribs when they were born to story time via skype to visiting just because – they are awesome. I sincerely rest at ease knowing that they are loved and cared for when they visit. What I never anticipate is how much my every day life is morphed into theirs. Today I considered what I should cook, what I felt like eating and even what I was going to watch on tv and everything still centered around them.
God spoke to me clearly this weekend. My pastor pointed out the fact that restoration is a combination of rest and recuperation and then today as I flipped the channel I heard a pastor share that we should stop trying to be everyone’s hero especially when we have run out of gas. I was reminded that it’s okay to say “I am tired or I don’t know or I don’t feel up to it right now.” In the message he urged us to take our capes off and just get some rest. My pastor said the same thing in his message. He shared from I Kings 19:1-8 that sometimes what we need is to rest. It’s a very confirming thing to be reminded that although we are mothers and wives, we are also still human. I seriously needed to hear that up close and personal and then be reminded again today so I won’t busy my much-needed “mom-cation” with unnecessary chores. In the end I’ve got to remember that although I wear all the hats, my charge is still the same – guard the temple and steward it well.
If you are reading this and need some rest, here’s your confirmation in 3’s: I am telling you, I heard it today on Christian TV and my pastor said it too. Get the rest you need.
Lanette Moline Speaks 
Goodmorning Sis Lana, Thank you as always for writing in such a personal way that speaks clearly to a message. Wow, yes we miss the Pastor so much – even while we are at beach, splashing around in the ocean and yes we have a crazy family, loving parents and we enjoy our time with them. But there does come a time when we must recharge as parents – at first I didnt understand the word mom-cation – I said what does she mean – after reading your article I get it. Physical rest and spiritual rest are important as we guard our body and our minds – guarding our temples. Love Sis Shurla
Yes confirmation. This summer we moved thank God and I have not been doing much outside of working and normal duties (going to the grocery, laundry) except for reading, relaxing and watching T.V.
People keep asking me how is the first book coming? When is the second one coming out? And just last week I had the inner struggle of I am not doing anyting on that right now am I missing something should I be doing something? But in my inner man I didn’t feel the PUSH to do anything.
The last two years, the boys in school (trying to get them to a place of doing their best and what they need to do without my constant input still working on that one), my demanding job (which God has delievered me from Alleulia), getting the book out and just in constant motion, I was in a tizzy all time. So that I am not and I am relaxiing and enjoy the Blessings a less stressful time, a wonderful new home and the SUMMER I had to tell myself that it was okay to STOP and enjoy. What good is it to pray and fight for something and then not take the time to enjoy lol!
On time word my friend and confirmation it is OKAY to rest. Because we know sooner or later there will be another battle and something else around the corner. But with some rest and relexation we will be in much better shape physically, mentally and spirtually to handle it!
Keep the words coming!
Thanking God for sending this message through you. I rested for the first time in a long while this weekend. The nothing I did was spectacular. Looking forward to my next mom-cation. All my love,
Patrice
I agree with you 100%. I found that as I am growing older I need to take the time to rest. As a matter of fact, my body reminds me daily. How invigorating it can be when I take a short nap during the day. I become energized to tackle the remainder of the day.
Thank you for reminding us of the Pastor’s sermon, and for keeping it fresh on our minds. Thank you Lana for the beautiful post!