Your value is not hidden in the things you do

Today I had 4 hours to myslef at home. As a mom of a one year old, this is a big deal. It’s one of the longest periods of time I’ve been away from Trace since he’s been born.

Add in the fact that he rarely sleeps apart from me, and it becomes an even bigger deal, as I don’t regularly get several consecutive hours of time with the house to myself. Such is mom life.

Micheal and his mom took Trace with them while they ran some errunds in town. So, I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted.

And here comes the delima..

Should I work, rest, or freely do chores around the house while NOT having to entertain, protect, and either carry around or allow a toddler to slowly follow me from room to room?

I wanted to rest, and my body and mind could use it. But, I had planned on being productive today since Micheal’s mom is visiting and able to help take care of Trace.

I didn’t have a chance to plan for having the house to myself ahead of time because the plan for all three of them to leave wasn’t formed until right before I woke up, and only an hour before they left.

I started to rest, then felt bad thinking about how the house and to do list might look the same when they got home hours later. (I also didn’t know exactly when they would be home.) So, I began to work on house and business stuff.

I did get quite a bit done. And, usually the freedom to move around the house quickly without having to be mindful of a toddler is actually fun and stress free.

But, I felt anxious.

I think because what I wanted to do and what I felt like I needed to do (to meet expectations; including mine) were two separate things. I also felt this huge pressure to make the most of the time since I don’t get opportunities like this very often.

I did want to relax more than I did. But, once I started working, I couldn’t stop.

Until I chose to.

I went outside to eat lunch. Trace and I eat outside almost every day that we can, so this wasn’t unusual.

I found myself eating kind of fast and feeling like I couldn’t just enjoy the moment.

So, I left my food outside and stepped inside to use the restroom. When I came back out, I intentionally left my phone inside the house.

I can’t work without my phone or computer. And, without the distraction or easy access to do or look up something, it was easier to calm my mind.

I took a couple deep breathes, stuck my feet in the grass, and enjoyed the rest of my lunch.

I then went inside to sit down and read. Reading is restful to me.

Why do I tell you all this?

Because it’s hard being a mom and trying to balance it all. I think we all struggle with wanting and needing to rest when we have the chance, but feeling the constant pull to get more done at the same time.

But, rest is something that needs to be done too.

I don’t mean to add another thing to your to do list. I also don’t regret what I accomplished in those hours alone today.

But, I do want to grant you the freedom to rest. Even if it’s for a few moments.

Breath.

Be thankful.

And rest in the fact that your value is not hidden in the things you do.

Your value is hidden in who you are. In being a child of God – The King.

You’re worth so much even if you accomplish little.

For example…

“But Martha became exasperated with finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.”

Luke‬ ‭10:40-42‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I want to be like Mary.

I want to rest at Jesus’ feet and just enjoy His presence.

I started with that this morning, but didn’t finish well.

So, once this blog post is written, I’m getting back to it. I’ll let my Mother in law help me by keeping Trace so I can spend more time with YAHWEH and enjoy his presence.

I hope you make the choice to rest too.

You’re worth it.