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?
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