On Sunday our pastor was talking about the importance of having some solitude every day, and he joked that he doesn’t “wake up as a Christian.” I found this especially amusing mainly because I’m oh-so-guilty of this myself. My better half will attest to the fact that I don’t wake up as a Christian either. In fact, I don’t become one until I’ve had my morning coffee. (And, on some particularly challenging days, it seems that I can go through the whole day and end up going to bed without EVER having become one). Yuck. This shouldn’t be.
Of course, my question for our pastor would be, “And, when, exactly, do you think I should have this solitude in this particular season of life?” (Because we know that one is lucky to find solitude enough for a potty break around here). Well, I’m not sure what he or anyone would say to that except that priorities matter. Yes, yes, I know. I should get up earlier and have some intentional quiet time before the rest of the family gets up. Easier said than done for night owls. Maybe I could work some solitude in during nap times, but no, that’s when I need to do the laundry, the dishes, check Facebook… you know, “important” things. Maybe I could do it before I go to bed at night. But, I have to watch House Hunters, chat with the spouse, plan for tomorrow’s adventures, eat a s’more, and alas, I’m asleep already.
So, what’s one to do? I think I might need to redefine solitude. Maybe it doesn’t have to look quite as serene as before. Maybe it’s 5 minutes instead of 30. Maybe it’s an intentional de-cluttering of my mind (instead of our den) while the girls watch The Berenstein Bears. Maybe it’s reading 5 lines of scripture instead of 50 status updates. Maybe it’s listening to one song that inspires instead of watching one more show that corrupts. Maybe it’s being a little more creative and a lot more intentional.
I may have to just accept the fact that I don’t “wake up as a Christian”, but I sure would like to start acting like one by noon 🙂
Any thoughts or ideas? Share ’em!
Oh my gosh Hollie! that is so my life too. So this week I feel challenged to put aside a few minutes each morning for solitude with God. Maybe I should call it a mommy timeout.
<3 Julie
Julie, thanks for posting! I like the timeout idea 🙂 Hope you and your crew are doing well!
Like the mommy-T.O. idea. Sometimes if I set the timer and tell Seth to give me 2 minutes until it beeps, it works (not that I've used it for prayer or meditation, mind you. Hmmm. What a novel idea!)
Also, check out Becky Crenshaw's blog – it's a great blog, but even if you don't have time to read it, her 'playlist' is awesome and inspiring – perfect for when cooking or whatever.
http://joyfuljava.blogspot.com/
Love your blog!
Deb, thanks for commenting, and thanks for the link to the joyfuljava blog. The playlist feature sounds great! Maybe it will inspire me TO cook 🙂