Hmm., immersing in the foaming chamomile calming bubble bath, music playing in the background. Just me, along with my calming thoughts. As I breathe in my lavender scent and soak in the bath, all my worries are melting away, marvelous, isn’t it? Some me time and nothing more. Lovely as this sounds, the reality is that my kiddos are screaming outside the door; everyone is demanding my attention and requesting that I attend to their needs. It is merely chaos, and my relaxing oasis only lasts 5 minutes. Why is it so hard to have me time? Why is it so challenging to have alone time? We are moms; we have a mile-long to-do list, our names are called over 1000 times, we are multitasking in our daily routine and schedules and trying to survive each day. Motherhood is challenging and demanding. So, no wonder when we hear or we are asked to have quiet time, all you can do is smile because, in your mind, you are wondering, are you kidding me? I can barely have time alone.
As moms, we know that having time for ourselves is necessary and taking care of our physical and mental being is essential. So, having quiet time is pivotal to our Christian walk, and we are aware of the benefits from it, but how can we have that time within our schedules and season? How can I have a meaningful time with God? How can I? When I finally have 5 minutes, I am physically exhausted and mentally drained? Let’s face it, we don’t have the time or the mental focus to pull off the kind of study we want to do. On the other hand, it is precise because I am a busy mom with young children that I need time with God each day that is deep, satisfying, and starts my day with a fresh filling of the Spirit.
Mathew 6:33 says; But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. God will add the time, show you the direction with the children, give you peace, strength, and all you need and more to endure. The best gift you can give yourself is to seek God and spend time with Him. His Word will never return to Him empty, and it will always accomplish His desires. I mean, if I can be transparent for a moment, we are the heart of our families; as a result, we need to make sure our hearts stay in excellent condition with God’s Word because if our hearts are not aligning with His; Our flesh flares up, we run in fumes, our hearts will be filled with resentment, frustration, and anger then our kids will feel it and feed on it. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do because you are his dear children.” Ephesians 5:1
We do not need to seek perfection but simply be present. Keep showing up. There is no right way of having quiet time in this season you are in. God will meet where you are; we have to be creative in our ways, whether it is while kids are napping, listening to podcasts, watching sermons, reading at night, and so on. Your quiet time does not have to fit a mold presented to you by your favorite author, Instagram, Facebook friends, or Pinterest. Allow the Holy Spirit to gentle your emotions, calm your mind, and soothe your heart.
Proverbs 5:1-2 pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. Quiet time is not just a quiet time, or alone time, a ritual, or to just be still is more than that. It is intimacy with our Father. Allowing our savior to change our hearts, for His transformation takes place in our daily lives and connect our hearts into His. Is a heart attitude. It is one you can achieve standing in the middle of the messy kitchen with a kid screaming off, or in the shower, or while doing dishes or while sitting in the car. You can even have it while standing in the Dr’s office, and your kids are calling your name out loud, and frustration threatening to boil over. Having stillness in your heart is the answer to the mystery of how to have quiet time in a house filled with children and a to-do list that just will not quit.
Be encourage. You are not alone. We all need mommy time, especially godly one that can shift our minds, hearts, and extend grace to ourselves and others. Remember, your time will look different from others, and that is okay—Walk-in grace, not condemnation. A loud life does not mean a loud heart. Do not give up, my sweet mama. Whether you do it quietly or do it not so quietly, what matters is that you have a willing heart and doing it. God is not delighted with us only when our bibles are open or our heads are bowed. He is pleased with us when our hearts are in the right place. All that we do throughout the day can be a way to serve God or further His kingdom. We simply must keep God in mind and shift our perspective from doing mundane tasks to helping in daily “kingdom work.”
Prayer
God, open my eyes to see the power in your Word. Open my ears to know what you are saying. You know my heart, quiet my distractions, and fill me up with your Holy Spirit. Draw me close into your Presence. Show me your ways, oh, Lord. Help me to hear your whispers and know your voice above all else. I love you, and I need you today. Thank you for your immense grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scriptures
Psalm 73:28, Joshua 1:8, Hebrews 13:15, Ephesians 3:12, Luke 12:31, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 5:1-2, Chronicles 16:11, Ephesians 5:1
Reflect
What step will you take today to reignite a passion for Jesus? How can you change things up in your quiet time with God so that it is not just an item on your to-do list? What distracts you most from time with Jesus? What is one thing you can do differently to block out only one distraction in your quiet time?
Written by Tamy Hughes
Nesting in his presence 