Thursday, July 16, 2009

I Should...

Do you have a list of things in your mind, that you SHOULD be doing at this very moment? Maybe it's folding the laundry, maybe it's starting dinner. As women, we tend to be real doers. We don't slow down very often...and when we do, we feel guilty about all we could be accomplishing.


Today I SHOULD be packing. But instead, I've been holding my baby, and sitting down to visit with family. And strangely enough, I don't feel guilty. I wonder if I'm finally believing the message I've been preaching to myself for so long. The message that says I SHOULD be still and listen, that I SHOULD slow down and enjoy.

No doubt the battle in my mind will be on again tomorrow. But for today, it's laid to rest and I'm thankful.

11 comments:

Jen said...

Shilo,
Thanks so much for your post. I read it just as I was rounding up swimsuits so that the kids and I could turn on the sprinklers in the yard for some fun. The house is a disaster after a week of company and a new set coming on Sunday, but I decided that I didn't want my kids answer to "What did you do this summer?" to be "watch my mom clean"! It was definitely one of those moments where I had to decide to just enjoy being where we are at today, enjoy being with my kids, enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the moment.
Thanks again for sharing your heart. I hope you had a lovely day!!!

Josie said...

Way to go! And way to blog about it - set up a way to remember your victories. Funny - I've been learning some of that too - living in a place where relationships are priority culture-wise, and just spending time/sitting together is valued...I bomb at that cause I love to DO STUFF. It's much better to let it go and not fight it - makes living here easier! I by no means have arrived, but am learning to take the time to take it easy.

Belinda Chaplin said...

Good job!! I hope you did manage to get all the packing down and are having a safe trip up North!

betty-NZ said...

There will be time later to get the laundry just right or start making those hospital-corner beds! Enjoy the things God brings into your life while you can!

Rebecca Conduff Aguirre said...

Oh, yes, those "shoulds"...glad you are having time to spend with Char and relax...you have a lot of work ahead of you and plenty of time for it. :)

Tim and Susan said...

Glad you are learning more and more to REST in the Lord. It IS hard to slow down and just be. Still working on learning that one too.

Susan

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Ah, it is so good to feel free of the "shoulds." You are so right...they follow us everywhere! Right now my daughter is watching Sesame Street, my son is rolling around on the floor and I am catching up my blogging. I should be making some snacks for playgroup, but instead I am taking time for me, and I love it! I hope you have a great week Shilo!
Carrie

Betty W said...

It was nice meeting you tonight! A big surprise seeing at the restaurant! :) Feliz día de la amistad!

Tea with Tiffany said...

Good for you to enjoy the moment. Especially the loved ones in your life.

Guilt, yep, I understand that too.

Peace to you,

Tiffany

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

Smart lady! I gave up "should"s a long time ago. It makes life much easier, as you are finding out!

Todd and Julie said...

Hi Shilo,
I just caught up on your blog...and I loved thinking about you relaxing with people you love today. (Jen, loved your comment, too!)

I know things aren't super easy for you and I admire the positive attitude that you consistently CHOOSE to take. :)

Thanks for the reminder about putting the 'shoulds' to rest and enjoying the moment. "[God] gives His beloved rest" (that might be paraphrased slightly). I'll pray that He continues to lavish on the "rest" in the middle of your busy days!

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