Detoxing from the Holidays...

The holidays are drawing to a close and I welcome and dread the coming days of the return to routine. Routine is my friend. It allows me to accomplish all the things required of me as a wife and a mother. It allows me to make time for the things most important to me without forsaking other things not as enjoyable but necessary.

The last couple of weeks have been full of spontaneous activity. I've tried hard to lay down my love of schedule and spend impromptu moments in the bed watching TV with my oldest, or rolling on the floor w/toys and boys. I've tried to get some rest, all the while staying up late to finish things that were on my heart for this season.

I have a love hate relationship with "breaks". I need them. I want them. However, they make me lazy. I get used to things being a little slow, a little helter skelter, and a little fun-loving. Taking it easy during the holidays makes our laundry a little behind, or meals a little more thrown together, and our activities a little more FUN. There is time for board games (should have played more). There is time for watching the complete season 1 of Little House on the Prairie. There is time for making ornaments (that still need to be painted). There is time for trying new recipes and ordering takeout b/c those new recipes weren't so good.

I am thinking about my new year and what the Lord would have me to change. I sense that He would like for me to return to my routine with an eye on opportunities for spontaneity. Basically, looking for Him during the day and opportunities that He would have me to take.

Routine and discipline are important. The Bible speaks frequently about discipline and the need for hard work to make life prosperous but the BIble also speaks about being sensitive to the Spirit and making sure that we do what is important to Him.

My thoughts this last week of the year are on getting back in the groove, inviting my routine back into my life, ceasing laziness and disorder. My thoughts are also on being open to the Spirit and settling into His groove, His routine, and what is important to Him. God give me balance!