What I learned on my day off was these things:
1. You can lose yourself in the tasks of taking care of others.
It is an amazing privileged to be a SAHM (isn't that cool we have an acronym!) and home maker. I can't thank God enough for the blessings of hearing the little toddler insights and phrases of the day that I may or may not otherwise hear second hand. It makes me smile to see my two-year old son help a little girl up on the play ground. He is a sweet gentleman and no other job could bring the joy such as that from watching our kids flourish.
However, I realize it is very easy to focus on my kids, taking care of the house, and being supportive of my husband at the expense myself. Don't get me wrong. I now have opportunities to be in bible studies while the kids are watched and opportunities for dinners with the ladies, but I am talking about real time being me. Having my own hobbies and pleasures separate from the family and really beginning to attack that list of things I want to learn but can't squeeze into the daily grind. I want to sew, I want to learn to quilt, I want to have a spot in town where I can sit outside and be with God.
Now with my monthly holiday, I can start to work on these goals.
2. With time to slow down and watch the day pass without responsibility, I noticed that other people's kids didn't bother me so much. What I did notice was the moms. As I wandered around stores and sat on benches reading outside, I watched mothers interact with their children in public. God reminded me in these experiences that my SAHM job is a mission and people are watching. This stops and makes me think about how my last grocery trip went when Nora and Caleb were going at it in the cart or other times when they did great in the store and sang Jesus Loves me in line. I won't ever be a perfect mom, but I will be watched by unbelievers and I realize that I must not forget this.
3. Don't let guilt slow you down.
I do guilt well. And of course, one thing that runs through my head when taking a day off is worry about my husband not being able to have his weekend to rest. I also struggle and feel bad that I shouldn't need this day. I get nights and I get occasional dinners out. But, honestly, I haven't found much more that recharges me and makes me more engaged with my family than a little break. Absence surely does make the heart grow fonder. ;)
3. A day off can totally rejuvenate you mind and body. Since Saturday, I have had extra pep in my step and days have been fulfilling. My attitude is better and I have an extra sweet appreciation for my husband. I can't say that one vacation day a month could do the same for everyone, but the 10 hours I had off this past weekend was just what I needed.
Since coming home, I continually remind myself and am thankful for the wise person who said "the days are long, but the years short." This I know to be true. It is amazing to realize that what seems like just months ago is now almost four years. And what you once thought was important is insignificant.
Time flies, perspectives change, and God is working in and around us.
I am thankful for this job and so grateful for the occasional day off!
