Devotion: Take A Time-Out

Oh, boy. Are you kidding, the house isn't spotless, kids aren't already potty trained, your hair and makeup isn't done and it's only the crack of dawn? You haven't read the entire Bible this morning or run a marathon either? Are the kids sleeping soundly, dishes done, garbage tossed, and laundry washed and folded. Oh, the never ending daily tasks. Are you sleep deprived and over tired? Sound familiar mommies?

Do you ever give yourself a hard time because things around you or yourself aren't seemingly perfect? Being somewhat of a perfectionist, I can relate to the obvious sarcasm above. However, we do tend to be our biggest critic isn't that right? I know I can be pretty critical of myself, where I would Never venture to go with someone else. God is helping me to relax though. I think it is out of necessity with all my busyness; sewing and creating handmade baby gifts, the baby excellence store, blog, kiddos, being a mommy and wife and involved in multiple ministry ventures.

In my times of busyness, I desperately try to remember a few of my favorite Scriptures; Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine," Jer 17:7 "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence," and 1Peter 1:21 "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God."

Knowing my trust and hope is in the Lord, and that my confidence comes from Him, gives me much needed rest and peace to not take myself too seriously. To laugh at myself! Talk about a good medicine, laughter is my natural favorite. Studies have shown that it seriously does good for the body, soul and mind. Not that we need a study to get us to laugh I pray.

Application: Today I want to encourage not only myself, but all of us, to take a time out to get that "merry heart"! Take a time out to sit and enjoy God and our kids: read a book, watch a show with them, and sing a song of worship. Set the cheerful heart tune and tone for your home.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you are awesome. Thank you that I can put my trust in you and lay all things at your feet. I can put my faith and hope in you knowing that you will uphold me. You can set my mind at ease and allow me to have peace and a joyous heart. Please let your reflection be evident in my life and in the lives of my children. Let us take that "time-out" for you daily and increase our hearts with praise to you and cheerfulness. Let us laugh at ourselves.

More about laughing at ourselves and resting in the Lord come Monday. Also, ideas for mommy time outs! You need a break too. Be blessed and be excellent, baby and mommies. Happy Mother's day. I hope you have a blessed day.