Sometimes she really hates homework.
She’s bright and her school gives an appropriate amount, but nonetheless, sometimes she hates it.
“I’m overWHELMED, Mom!” She says. “And I’m STRESSED!”
“I’m going to help you,” I say to her.
{But even my knowledge of distributive property is rusty.}
“I just CAN’T!!” She plops her head down on her arms.
And I look down at her. What do I do when I’m a hot mess? I scream and cry, like her, (that’s’ only being human) but then I take a break. I go on a walk. I change my scenery.
“Honey, go upstairs and take a shower.” I tell her. But she wails that she just wants to get it over with. I very much understand.
“Just go take a shower. I promise you will feel better when you are done.”
She climbs the stairs reluctantly, one at a time, her math homework almost a visible weight on her ten-year-old shoulders.
After she’s begun I knock on the door and call in to her. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. A little.”
And when she is finished, bright eyed, ready for a hug, we’ve both learned something important. Homework is still hard. Math still isn’t very fun. And recopying your five paragraph essay is tedious.
But life does look a little different after you’ve had time to step back and take a breath.
Does taking a little break from something help renew you?
Thirty-One Days of Rest | click here.
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i always tell my kids to take and shower and they will feel better…glad i am not the only one! something a bout warm water and moments silence that heals the heart.
Taking a break always helps to renew my spirit. Life can be hard, so very hard. Chores, work, school, workouts, dinner. All of it often stomps it’s impatience and then I generally end up losing my own patience. I have a small quiet room, with my chair, my desk, pretty flowers, my Bible, my journal and whatever book (one of many) with which I am currently taken – this place is where I go when I feel that all of life is pressing a little too much. It’s where I go when I need to press into Him.
Oh, so true – there’s something about a shower that is salve for (most) overwhelming situations. Maybe it’s the water beating hot and fast…breathing in the steam…the layer of frustration sloughed off…that unmistakable clean feeling as soon as you step out…the favorite lotion afterwards. (I always take my time at that point…it’s calming, that Cocoa Butter.) Anyway, whatever the case, Sarah, that’s some good, restful mother-advice right there. Thanks for sharing your story, and the wise reminder that arose from it
Life right now as a single mom of three leaves very little time for rest. But that being said, I know God has pulled me into his arms to rest in him. I am standing for my marriage as well, which I know is Gods calling, but it is far from easy and can emotionally drain you. I have learned through all of my circumstances to make opening up the bible and reading his word a priority even if I have to put the brakes on the business of our life. After I am in the Word I feel such renewed strength and peace that only God can give us. Thank you for this amazing month of blogging to remind us to rest, such a hard thing for I’m sure most of us