The
Benefits of Being Still
By Sue Dickinson
"I want a hug, mom," said my little
boy. Who would say "no" to that, so
I gathered him onto my lap and gave him a big
cuddle. We remained that way - peaceful and
quiet - for about 8 seconds. Then, the wiggling
resumed.
If there's one thing I've learned about children,
they don't sit still!!! Sure, when they are
playing you expect them to expend energy, but
at meal time, when watching a television show
or in the car it would be nice if the perpetual
motion would quit for just a moment. Thank goodness
for bedtime - the one time of day when the constant
wiggling stops!
Last night I tucked my son in after a particularly
active day. If only I could find some inspiration
to help him to appreciate the benefits of just
being still sometimes. I went to my bookshelf
to look for a book that might help.
But before I could reach for a book, I noticed
how dusty the shelf was, so I ran to the linen
closet for a rag and some Pledge. After cleaning
that up, I noticed a big pile of papers that
needed to be sorted, so I quickly started that.
The pile was right next to a mound of laundry
waiting to be ironed. As I set up the ironing
board, it reminded me that I really should get
a load of laundry done. I ran down the stairs,
laundry basket in hand, and almost tripped on
a pile of things I had stacked on the stairway
to carry up the next time I went.
After those belongings were back in place,
I got my book and headed toward my favorite
chair. I really needed to figure out how to
keep that son of mine from moving around so
much. I mean really, why couldn't he just sit
still?
On my way to the chair, I went through the
kitchen and realized I'd never done the dinner
dishes. As I loaded them into the dishwasher,
I figured I may as well make tomorrow's lunches,
and anyway, who can read when the family room
is in such a mess?
I never did read that book I was planning to
read. Instead, I spent the evening in my own
version of perpetual motion. As I settled down
to bed, I picked up my bible and my eyes settled
on the following: "Be still, and know that
I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
In a state of denial, I exclaimed "WOW!
That's perfect for my son. He really needs that!"
But, deep down, I realized who needed it more.
As moms, our job never ends. There will always
be something there, ready to take the place
of the task we just performed. More often than
not, we accomplish so much during a day that
when we finally sit down we fall fast asleep!
While we constantly try to sell our children
on the benefits of taking a rest once in a while,
we find it difficult to remember that it is
certainly a benefit that we moms should take
advantage of as well. In addition to being a
great example to our kids, it is our chance
to re-group; to reconnect; and to find the strength
and wisdom we need to continue on. It is the
only way we can hear the mysterious messages
sent to help us cope. It is our chance to be
still. And know that we are not alone.
Sue Dickinson is the author
of "What's a Mom to Do? Overcoming the
Urge to Put Your Life on Hold" and the
creator of www.UnlimitedMom.com, designed to
celebrate the many facets of Mom. Because when
you recognize them all, your possibilities are
unlimited! Visit http://www.unlimitedmom.com/whats-a-mom-to-do-book-by-sue-dickinson.php
