Homemaker Chronicles

This week I am going to take my own advice.

Written by ME February 2009.

Did I mention that I like coffee? Just in case…

I LIKE COFFEE!

Starbucks brand. Gold Coast blend. French pressed. No cream. No sugar.

If you follow me on twitter you already know this, but I actually got to enjoy 45 WHOLE minutes at Starbucks with my entire family by myself yesterday!!

I have been trying to break away for a week, but you fellow homemakers know how difficult that can be when you don’t have babysitters, your husband works 8-5, and you are “on call” 24/7! So, yesterday, just when I thought it was going to be postponed yet again, I got the thumbs up from Hubby.

I felt like a totally cool seventeen year old girl again. I was cruisin’ down the road with the windows down, music blarring, turning heads left and right. (Okay, okay. It was worship music and I was in a minivan. Probably why I was turning heads. But I’m still cool, right? Anybody?)

So anyway, I got to Starbucks and ordered my tall, french pressed, Gold Coast, no cream or sugar coffee and I splurged for the Cinnamon Swirl coffee cake (to die for!), and sat down outside in the 93 degree sun. (That’s what the bank sign said anyway…93 degrees- in February??)

Ladies, and men, this is what we need more of in life! Remember those Selah moments I spoke about a few Fridays ago? We NEED these!

Have you taken one of those much needed moments for yourself?

I really believe that if I, as a mom and homemaker, could request a little bit of alone time every so often I would be better at what I do. Of course everyone in the family has to sacrifice when I take time off like that. Therefore, it can’t be often-often. But truthfully I don’t need it that often. Yesterday was actually the first time since we moved here (last May) that I’ve taken an hour all to myself!

It’s not a bad thing to need to break away. I used to think that I was a sorry excuse for a mother if I needed some fresh air, but now I realize that everyone needs that sometimes. Perspective is such a good thing! It makes us appreciate the things around us and see them for what they truly are. We all know that the Bible says, “Children are a blessing from the Lord”.

They are. No doubt.

But we might need a different vantage point to actually believe that somedays. Don’t condemn yourself for feeling that way. Just talk with your spouse, find a sitter, ask a friend, or do whatever it takes to make it happen. (within reason, naturally)

There is an old saying, “If Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”. So, what do you love to do that you haven’t done in a while? Make sure your spouse is okay with it- out of respect- and DO IT! Your husband and kids will thank you for it later when you return refreshed and renewed.

You should take my advice too!

~Angie

Homemaker Chronicles