Routine Helps Special Happen – See. Perceive. Act.

We women – and moms in particular, former procrastinators, – have a tendency to set aside things we long to do in order to serve those in our care.  So many household chores actually are priorities.  So much family care takes time and attention that there seems to be no time or energy left for certain things we long to do. We sometimes even stop thinking about them.  The interest and desire either fade or just gather dust over time.

What if those desires are from the Lord?  What if He has purposes for the stirrings inside us? 

We should carefully consider whether or not those are from Him.  We can talk it over with our husband or a trusted friend and figure out if those desires should be priorities.  Sometimes, they must be saved for another season.  But sometimes we neglect to act on something the Lord has prompted. 

Remember we base routine on priorities.  If we discern that the Lord wants us to give attention now to certain desires or interests, then we should build those into our routine.  Maybe you go hiking once a month or paint twice a week.  Maybe you take a class once a year.  Find a way to honor the Lord’s promptings in you by including that special desire in your regular way of doing things.

Maybe you and a friend could trade off a day a month keeping each other’s children.  Maybe you and your husband can schedule a Saturday morning for each of you to devote to your special thing.  Maybe you could hire a babysitter so that you can explore your prompting.  Ask the Lord for creativity and for His provision.

Family and work can drain us.  We continue to plug along giving, giving.  Sometimes we need the refreshment of engaging with a special calling or enjoyment the Lord has prompted in us.  If this is from the Lord for you, don’t put off making a way to participate in His prompting. Recognize your longings.  Ask the Lord for discernment as to whether or not this is the time to give them attention.  If yes, how does He direct you to do that?  If no, not now, leave your special desires with Him, trusting that He knows your heart and is in wise control. 

One acquaintance joyfully sang as part of the worship team.  Without neglecting her small children, she arranged a way to participate once or twice a month.  A friend who was mother of 11 gave herself ten minutes a day to quilt.  She made lovely wall hangings that beautified their home.  She said “Those ten minutes refresh my soul.”

You could consider this topic and ask yourself what you’d enjoy or what you’d like to do routinely that’s special to you.  It’s okay to do that.

If God-directed, what special enjoyment or calling will you build into your routine?  At what regular time will it be?