I admit it. I have a problem. I say yes often when I should say no. Maybe something is hard-wired into me, and alot of other moms. Especially mom, teacher, organization-types that say Yes before that little birdy says... "Isnt this too much?"I think we do it because, we know whatever we are saying yes to is often a worthwhile endeavor for ourselves or our family. Right now, our family does Boy Scouts ("It's CUB SCOUTS mom," says Daniel), Girl Scouts with my Brownie Tess. I also sing in the LifeTeen choir on Sunday nights which also involves rehearsals once a week for an hour and a half and a total of 3 hours on Sunday including mass. I cantor once a month and now gearing up to participate in a Spring Concert choir. This is in addition to going to church as a family, housework, oh and teaching and occasionally going to the gym. I also read voraciously, watch tv and movies like most other people, and have minor addiction to social media and games, such as Facebook, Twitter, WordsWithFriends, etc. And occasionally an audience member to live music whether it is a concert at the local arena or local bar.
I am not writing this to show off my "super-busy-mommy" badge, but to just kind of step back and examine, why we (rather I) do these things, if they are worthwhile to make sure that a full calendar isnt additional stressor, but indication of a full life.
I think the question we have to often stop and ask ourselves is this "Is this activity worthwhile for my development, my family's growth, or relaxation from life's requirements and stress (work & money) or is this time that should be devoted to interior pursuits."
Keeping that balance between internal rest (reading, time spent in true quiet in church, the things we are called to do more in Lent to add perspective to our busy lifes) and my internal hardwiring of my personality which seeks social connection, and need to help others in projects (like my Brownie scouts-- did I mention I was a troop leader, not jsut a GS mom?) Something has to give and I find myself on a metaphorical teeter-totter. The last few months-- well this year especially has been to oscillate between more activities because of the kids being older and involved in scouts and more at school, and less just "BEING" time at home.
How much is too much? I know each person has a different tolerance level. I wonder where my limit is, and will I recognize it?
Today's reading from the lectionary (http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022512.cfm) Isaiah give us two requirements to delight the Lord.
If you remove from your midst oppression,
false accusation and malicious speech;
If you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
Then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday;
Then the LORD will guide you always
and give you plenty even on the parched land.
He will renew your strength,
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fails.
The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake,
and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up;
"Repairer of the breach," they shall call you,
"Restorer of ruined homesteads."
Okay.... so do for others.... help. Then Lord will raise your gloom, renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden.
Then...
If you hold back your foot on the sabbath
from following your own pursuits on my holy day;
If you call the sabbath a delight,
and the LORD's holy day honorable;
If you honor it by not following your ways,
seeking your own interests, or speaking with maliceB
Then you shall delight in the LORD,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
I will nourish you with the heritage of Jacob, your father,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Okay... so this is the balance, to try my best to make Sunday that rest, that slowing down and pursuing that internal dialogue.
Hard words to follow in a busy world when laundry is calling and Cookie booths must be manned (or rather wo-manned). I guess, I should just try the best I can, and focus on details for this week and creating balance now, while keeping a vague eye on future events without over analyzing my to-do lists for 3 weeks from now.... Once again to give up that worry into someone elses hands, hard challenge to take up when "Super-busy moms" with badges are used to saying yes and making it perfect for everyone else.... (PS If you want to know where to buy those mentioned cookies.... Cookie Locator, and Troop 20030 will be at Bobby Jones Lowes Sunday, Feb 26 from 2-6pm).
