Break time!

I attempted to go to bed early again tonight but it didn't work out very well. When I was talking to one of my friends today about stuff that has been going on for us both in the last week, we agreed that there is an air of change right now. I don't feel like it's negative or anything like that. This could explain why I have been so wierded out lately. The Hannah of the past did not like big life changes at all! The new Hannah is getting better at it.

Tonight, my youngest son got sent to bed early. The kids were playing kitties and having a great time. He went overboard. Got too loud and too rough. I had to break it up. I was helping him get his pull-up and pajamas on, all while he was howling his protests. I couldn't help but notice that no tears accompamnied his cries. I went to close the door and he stopped crying. (He knows that it gets shut if he continues to cry) I opened the door instead. I never heard another word out of him. I didn't even turn on the audio story. He must have been really tired!

I think all of us are a lot like my youngest. We get very tired and overwhelmed with things that are going on. Instead of pausing and saying, "Why am I feeling this way? What is really going on here?" and slowing down a little, we just start spinning like a top. I know I do. God loves us and wants to pick us up, put our jammies on and send us to rest. We don't always hear Him though. Sometimes, we get caught up in our everyday life and worries and we forget to just take a deep breath and be still for a moment. Be still.

I know what you are thinking, "I do not have time for that! That Hannah is one crazy broad! When does she ever have time to pause and take a breath?" I'm not necessarily talking about physically being still, although that is important too. What I am talking about is being still in your spirit. If you have all these thoughts of kids, work, what you are having for dinner, stresses, what your husband said last night that hurt you, the dog pooping on the living room floor, the beds that need made, and the vacuming that needs done, how can you possibly hear from your Father? How can He guide you when you are too busy to listen and talk to Him about your problems. The dishes can wait. No one will die from walking on floors that need vacumed.

Something else that is a common misconception (I know because I used to believe this) is that you have to bow your head and close your eyes to pray or talk to God. This is not true! I'm going to let you in on an awesome secret.....God can hear you right where you are! I talk to God when I am driving, cleaning the toilet, and even at work. My personal favorite is in the shower. The door is locked, I am relaxed, and I'm in my own little cubicle of cleanliness. I am washing off the days grime and talking to my Daddy. Think of it as your personal cell phone to your Lord. Your 'prayer phone'. (I should copyright this stuff Heehee!) He is never too busy. He wants to hear from you at all times, in all things.

Since he isn't physically there to stop us and slow us down when we need rest like I did for my son, we need to recogize the signs in ourselves and act on it. Sometimes, you need to take yourself out of the game. You will feel much better for it. It could be as simple as relegating yourself into your bedroom for 30 minutes and having some personal time with God. I tell the kids, "I need some Mommy time okay?" and I pop in a 30 minute cartoon. I pray in front of my kids all the time. They need to see that too. However, sometimes you need some personal time with your Father. It would be the difference of carrying on a conversation with your friend in a crowded room, and if you were one on one drinking coffee in your kitchen. Both scenarios can have rewarding outcomes but sometimes you need that 'Daddy and Me' time.

It's important for everyone to do this but especially for us single parents. We don't have a spouse to say, "Here honey, let me help you. Are you okay?" We need to get to know ourselves, and our God, well enough to know when it is time to slow down. Love yourself enough to give yourself a break. God does. If it any easier on you here you go.....This is Mama Hannah telling you that you need a time out! Go talk to your Father! *Teehee* Love you guys........

Daniel 10:19