Time to Breathe

Life is busy.  Life is crazy.  Life is crazy busy.  Sometimes I think I am going crazy.

There is so much that we want to do.  There is so much that we have to do...but we can't do it all.  

The past two years we have realized that our life is a little out of control.  We built this life to love it, not to have life run away with us.  We packed our days to the brim allowing little down time.  While there are seasons of life when this is necessary, it can't be an always thing.  

Last year we reached the point where we were doing a lot, but not doing a lot well.  We felt guilty if we sat down.  There was always more work to do, more commitments to fulfill, someone to help or someplace to be.  We were always busy, but most of the time we were just spinning our wheels.  

We knew that there needed to be a change.  We needed time to breathe.  We wanted time to enjoy this life that we have worked so hard to build.  We can say we want change, but it doesn't just happen.  We had to work really hard to get rid of the work.  We had responsibilities and commitments that we couldn't just abandon.  It has taken time, planning, determination and God's provision, but we have carved out some time to just be.  

The boys have changed schools this year.  They are now in a program where they go to school 2 to 3 days a week and the remaining days they are home schooled by Grandma.  We no longer come home to hours of homework each night, the boys are much less stressed and they have time to just be boys.  The last few weeks they have been able to devote several hours each night to the cows...which is all they have ever wanted to do.  It may not seem like a big deal to some, but it has been years since our kids have had the time to just be kids and do the things that they love to do.  After the cows are worked, their favorite thing is to throw the football with Dad until it is too dark to see the ball.  

Just a few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to change my work schedule a little.  I now get to leave work 30 minutes earlier.  Thirty minutes isn't a great deal of time, but it has given me the freedom to just be.  Most nights when I come home, I wander out to the barn to chat with Daniel for a few minutes.  How was your day?  How are the cows doing?  What is the plan for tonight?  Normal activities for some...but I just didn't have time to do it before.  I get to breathe before I jump into the role of cook, Mom and housewife.  

Do you know how many times I have been asked if the leaves on the trees have started changing up in my area?  I drive 100 miles each day and I have no idea if the leaves are changing colors or even if there are leaves on the trees.  I can't seem to see past the miles in front of me.  This week as we were driving home, Walker said "Mom, look at the pretty trees!"  It's sad that it takes a child to point out the obvious.  

This weekend take a moment to look around you and enjoy.  Take a moment to take in the moments.  You don't remember the moments when each moment is packed full.  What do you remember about today...or yesterday?  Did you just cross items off of a list or did you find a moment to savor?  Create time to breathe so that you have a moment...a moment that you will remember...a moment that makes a memory.

After you have taken that moment...take a moment to laugh at 15 Daily Habits That Only Stock Show Kids Can Relate To.