Giving myself a time-out
I just had to get away.
- Step aside.
- Take a break.
- Remove myself from the situation.
I was starting to get frustrated and irritable–just plain perturbed.
Is this what I’m like when I’m in a foul mood? I sure hope not. (Denial?)
The sarcasm, complaining, and bad-mouthing was getting to me. Now, I too was doing it. No matter how hard I tried, I caved.
I needed a time-out.
I walked away quietly, hoping the commotion around me was enough of a distraction that no one would notice my gradual absence.
Deep breaths in and out, in and out.
I wish this were an isolated incident, but if I’m honest, I’ve needed to give myself a lot of time-outs lately.
I don’t view it as something bad or discipline for something I’ve done; rather, a gift.
- Of space.
- Of time.
- Of meditation and refocusing.
- Of God.
My Father meets me in time-out. He leads me to rest (Mark 6:31). He quiets me with His love (Zephaniah 3:17). He speaks.
- Not in the wind.
- Not in the earthquake.
- Not in the fire.
- In a whisper.
He lets me catch my breath and sends me in the right direction so I can respond–not react–with renewed strength and wisdom.
Yes, I need time-outs. I want time-outs. The gift I give myself.
I hope you will too.
Come alongside… How are you dealing with your frustrations? Do you need to give yourself a time-out? Will you?
Forced to rest
My basset hound Dudleigh resting after surgery
Sometimes I go, go, go and wear myself out. My body is screaming, “I need to rest,” but I just keep going, going going.
A couple years ago, I was forced to rest when I had to take a 6-month medical leave from work. This was very difficult for me. I wanted to go, I wanted to do, but all I could do was lie down. Despite my frustrations, I learned – and continue to learn – that rest is necessary. It rejuvenates, refreshes, and restores.
It also taught me a lot about myself, my friends, and God.
- Rest doesn’t rob me of my value as a person.
- Rest helps me to treasure the simple things in life.
- Rest allows me to enjoy my true friends.
- It gives me time to meditate on God and His word.
- Rest grants me life.
Come alongside…How often do you rest? Have you been forced to rest? What are you learning about rest?
Big hugs,
Daphne
