Refreshed in Five

As many moms know, most days there just aren't enough hours to get everything done.  The other day, I was making a cup of iced tea with plans to take 5 just for me, when on my kitchen counter I noticed a magazine.  On the cover surrounded with some adorable kids' pictures, was the writing:

All you need to:

de-stress your schedule

wipe out stains and clutter

simplify dinnertime

have more fun!

What?

All this in just ONE magazine issue?

Where have you been all of my life...all those days I was stressed running here and there, cleaning house, lamenting another dinner to be made and longing for some fun?

I am sure this magazine had some great tips and one day, when we return home from dropping Carson at college, I'll read it.

But until then, I think I'll take my five minutes, and pull a tip from the ONE book that has all the answers.  

Staying home, caring and schooling little (and not-so-little) ones can and is exhausting.  I am not complaining, really, because this is where and what I want to be doing.  I'm thrilled to have five children and thankful to have the opportunity to educate their minds and sheperd their hearts.   There are many ways the world gives us to re-energize, boost our happiness and find meaning in our day to day lives.

Be wise with your time--I tell myself.  And I urge you to do the same.  Our children don't need to hear about loving, compassion, grace, forgiveness, joy, hope....they need to see it.   They need to watch it in action as it interacts with the world.

Moms--take your five minutes.  

Spend it wisely, refreshingly.

de-stress your schedule:  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:7   Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

wipe out stains and clutter:  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  Titus 3:5  (stains)  Jesus himself said,"It is more blessed to give than to receive."  Acts 20:35  (clutter)

simplify dinnertime:  Keep falsehood and lies far from me;  give me neither poverty or riches, but give me only my daily bread.  Proverbs 30:8

have more fun!:  ...I have come that they may have abundant life and have it to the full.  John 10:10

Now, speaking from experience, when I take my 5 with Him, I'm amazed how much longer my baby sleeps and how sweetly my older children get along.  How graciously He extends my 5 to 15 so I can be refreshed and ready for the next 24!