Where would we be without rechargeable batteries for cameras, hand-held games, video recorders and flashlights? But when they first came out, I remember how hard it was to shell out the extra money for something we knew would save us money in the long run, but for which we didn't QUITE see the need.
As a mom, my own "batteries" feel run-down and in need of a recharge quite often. Between the constant demands of child-rearing, work, housekeeping, church, sports, marriage and the general whoop-de-doo of life, I'm drained.
Let's face it, the life force of a mom is not an inexhaustible resource.
And when we get tired, our patience runs short. Things slip out of our mouths that we wish we could take back. We stop caring about things like...our kids acting like hooligans, sticking to a diet and of course, the whoop-de-doo in the bedroom. We just don't have it in us to deal with it anymore.
Just like those rechargeable batteries that cost more up front, it's sometimes hard "pay the price" of taking the time to build up our resources on the inside. We think we can just keep going and going, but the reality is we will burn out if we don't pay attention to connecting to a power source to get our energy back.
Of course, the Ultimate Energy Source is on a spiritual level. Our devotional life is often the first thing to get cut when we start running on empty. Without "plugging in" to the word of God and connecting with Him in prayer, we will never really be filled like we should be.
And then there are practical things that we can do that will "recharge" our physical batteries. We should eat good food. We need to drink water and not gallons of diet soda. Probably should lay off the fries. A decent night sleep will do wonders. I can only imagine what exercise might do.
Beyond that, there are "frivolous" things that have a way of rocket-boosting the practical and spiritual methods because they touch our emotional level. It's the cup of tea, a phone call to a friend, a new shade of toenail polish and a pair of dangly earrings that bring a smile to our face and make life seem a little softer. A few minutes alone at Target has been known to completely renew a woman's world.
Today's Small Thing is really "This Weekend's Three Small Things" because it will take a bit more doing to earn our points. We are going to "recharge" our batteries on all three levels, in some way, between now and Monday morning.
1. Would you take a few moments to connect with God? He's waiting in the wings, and if you stop long enough, you might even hear Him calling your name. His voice floats on the cool breeze and rustles in the budding leaves. He is speaking in the quiet of a sleeping child and in the morning cup of coffee before the house wakes. He is in the pages of the Bible on your nightstand. Nourish your spirit.
2. Next, do something that is good for your physical body. If you need an extra hour of sleep, get your man to get up with the kids in the morning. Take some care to pay attention to what your body is telling you: to eat a healthy meal, go for a walk, take your vitamins or hit the gym. Treat your body well.
3. Finally, pick something frivolous and completely "unnecessary" to do for yourself that refreshes your soul. Read a chapter in a book, send the kids to the neighbor's house so you have a few moments alone, wear something pretty, or go our for coffee, it doesn't matter! You don't have to spend a dime to be reminded that you are worth taking care of. Feed your soul.
POINTS: This might be a little bit tough to get all this done, so I am going to give 50 points for each of the three "recharges." You can earn up to 150 points this weekend! Wow! What a way to earn them.
Please share! How will you recharge your batteries? You KNOW you need all three!
