Diligence

A while back I was reading this fabulous book that contained a quote from Mary Fish's father, that has really just stuck with me. "Are you idle, my child?" he would ask her. I must admit that I am idle much more than I wish I was. Lately, I have been learning how to be more diligent with my time. I want to take each moment captive for Christ's work. This has drastically changed the way that I live. I'm only using the computer in the evenings (if at all) each day. This has freed up my time to get more cleaning done. I have spent more time being a mom (and less time being an author/editor). My priorities were mixed up. I've got them straighter now, although I am still working on it. This has helped me learn to do everything better. I have been able to focus on the task at hand, instead of feeling torn in a million directions. I actually feel like I'm getting more done then before, just not as frequently, if that makes since.

While I don't always get to check my e-mail everyday, no one has died because they had to weight over 24 hours to hear back from me. I have also put a t.v. in my office so that if the kids need to be near me while I'm working, they can sit quietly and watch a movie (I have headphones so I can listen to something if I need to, or turn on some music to drown out the t.v. so I can concentrate).

We have started a more set routine for school. While we still don't have access to our school room, we are working on being more diligent anyway (instead of making excuses). We don't play until the school day is done, and then I make sure that I spend some time with the kids doing non-school things each day. Even if I just force myself to sit down and watch a movie with them, it makes them happy. Yesterday we rearranged the boys room, and made it easier for them to keep clean (and set consequences for if they didn't). The girls room is next, but probably not until late next week. :)

I know we still have a long way to go before I can say that my life is back in order, but for now the kids are happier, I am happier, and my house is cleaner. It's great! I love moving in the right direction!

Pin It