Recently, I was at the park with my kids and noticed another mom’s cute silver Birkenstock sandals. I then noticed that her toenails were only painted on one foot. I chuckled to myself and thought, “I can relate!”
This situation reminded me of the popular children’s book, If You Give a Pig a Pancake.
In this popular series of books, a pig is given a pancake, but the owner realizes the pig needs maple syrup to go with it. While retrieving the syrup, the owner is distracted and their attention is brought to a succession of many other distractions.
I find that as a mom, I am constantly walking circles in my house. During one of my many laps, I saw a dirty sock on the floor and while depositing it in the hamper, I realized I need to do laundry. So I brought the dirty clothes to the laundry room only to realize a light bulb was flickering. I climbed on top of the washing machine, changed the light bulb and quickly realized how dirty the cabinets were. After 2 more trips up and down the washing machine (now covered in dust bunnies), I was summoned to help a child in the bathroom.
The next day, I realized the dirty clothes were still in the washing machine—which I never ran. Sound familiar?
Do you ever dream of being still, peaceful and diving into a book, daily reflection or prayer journal? I found that if I sit at our kitchen table, I’m too accessible to my family (not to mention that I have a clear view of the dirty dishes in the sink). The temptation to get up and help a little one tugging at my hand, frequently wins my attention, which then leads to the inevitable laps around our house (and washing dishes).
However, I have found that if I sit in my peaceful corner, which I made into a little sanctuary, the kids are less likely to interrupt me. They realize that when I’m sitting there, that it’s my quiet time.
That’s my time with Jesus.
It can be difficult to cultivate inner peace if our surroundings are chaotic or cluttered. Where is your quiet spot–the front porch, corner of your living room or bedroom? If you haven’t designated a sacred place in your home, I suggest creating one—good lighting, a candle, Bible, journal/books and any religious objects that draw your eyes and heart towards the Lord. Spend some time thinking about what makes a space sacred to you.
When you create a place in your home that encourages peace, it will call out to your soul, “Come and sit.”
Lent is a wonderful time to find that place.
