We finished our first week of school and I’m worn slap out! (For those of you readers who are not familiar with phrases of a purely southern flavor, that means I’m really, really tired.) I’m tired in every way I can be–physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. When school is in session, it seems I’m on my feet the entire day. Standing over someone’s paper at the table, standing outside trying to get the sun to shine just right on the mirror, standing at the bookshelf, standing at the sink, standing at the washing machine, standing, standing, standing. Uh-oh…I think I feel a song coming on…”Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God, My Savior. Standing, standiiiiiiiiing! I’m standing on the promises of God!” My legs are just aching.
I am emotionally spent because sometimes it really hurts my feelings when my kids repeatedly disobey. When are they gonna “get” it?! I say it over and over: Obedience brings a blessing. Disobedience brings consequences! Over and over and over again. Sometimes they choose to do what I say, but I have one that will grin and do whatever he wants anyway. My husband is so stubborn! Ha!Ha! (Just kidding!)
My brain is…in need of an upgrade, or something. I need more RAM. I tried to read chapter 6 of Disciplines of a Godly Woman today. Hughes is trying to explain how women of the gospel must discipline and “program” their minds with the things of God. I had to stop reading when I realized that, about mid-week, I had lost mine. I’m sure it’s around here somewhere…under something…my precious grey matter being ground into the carpet…at least it will blend well.
Spiritually? I have heard people speak of this never-ending supply of energy when they are acting in the strength God supplies, and so that makes me think that maybe I don’t rely on His strength enough. But, then, I think those people just might be saying that to sound “spiritual” or something. Or maybe they are just in a good mood. I say that because my experience isn’t like that. Don’t misunderstand me. It is my joy to spend time with Jesus! I enjoy prayer. I enjoy reading my Bible. I enjoy Jesus, and He helps me enjoy everything else. And yet, each day reveals to me more ways I need to refine those prayers and be more specific. Each day reveals an area in which He wants me to stretch a little farther…farther to the complete end of myself. I can pretend to be super-mom for one, maybe two kids, but give me three and four and I will have to turn to Someone stronger than myself. I am thankful He keeps me closer to Himself in that way.
Tomorrow is Saturday. I’ll be busy with some housekeeping that I didn’t get around to doing this week. But Sunday is coming, and I’m looking forward to a bit of rest.
And let us not grow weary of doing good,
for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
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Leslie Wiggins 
7 responses to “I’m Exhausted”
Put your feet up and close your eyes! You deserve a rest!
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Thanks!
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I echo plainandsimple – you need some down time this weekend! Is there anything you can let go for a bit so you’re not so overwhelmed?You know, I’ve concluded that some people are just naturally way more energetic than me and that’s okay. I need more time by myself, more quiet, more rest than others I know. This is partly because I’m an introvert and being around people a lot really wears me out. It’s also because of the chronic pain in my right knee that also makes me tired. My mother was once spurred on to take on WAY too much church work because the pastor was teaching about the limitless energy you can have by trusting God – sort of a “burn yourself out for the Lord” attitude. I vividly remember my mom having HUGE lists of things that had to get done each day. Well, one night it just got to be too much and she started crying uncontrollably. The next morning she woke up and was literally paralyzed in her bed. It went away after a few days but was pretty scary nonetheless.
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We just finished our first week too and I know what you mean! Here are some ideas that have worked for me.1. When your kids are reading to themselves and the little ones are napping, read a good book yourself. Put up your feet (so they get rest), refresh your mind and uplift your spirit.2. When you are helping the kids at the table, can you sit down with them? I purchaced a big exercize ball that I sit on and roll from kid to kid. Off limits to kids unless given special permission!3. Eat healthy foods and get enough water. Sugar can zap you of energy later on.4. Pray for wisdom on how to creativly help your kids when they “aren’t getting it” either with the lesson, or with issues of the heart.I needed to remind myself of these things today! Thanks for the chance to reflect. I think you’re doing a great job with your school!Christina
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Amy saidIs there anything you can let go for a bit so you’re not so overwhelmed?I’m sure she’ll find SOMETHING…
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We are big on “consequences” at our house too. I think it was one of Laylee’s first big words. We wanted to show her that we weren’t punishing her, but she was simply choosing her own consequences.You are so allowed to be tired. God can and will give you strength when you’re following his will but he also created the human body with limitations on purpose. You need to rest. You need to let your brain and spirit relax. Even the Savior took a break every now and then.Which leads perfectly into the sabbath. Have a wonderful day tomorrow.
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I appreciate all the encouragement and advice. I hope this post wasn’t too much of a whine-fest. I get it from the kids! Amy–I am looking around the kitchen now, and I let too much go this weekend. Gillham family hit on something I need to work on, and that it is my eating habits. Some days I can get so busy that I forget to eat lunch or something. Some days I just eat whatever sugary snack is easiest to grab and I do not drink enough water.Karl–thanks for letting me take a nap this afternoon.The Daring One–welcome to my blog! I’ve been a reader of yours for a while now. You always make me laugh! Thanks for the encouraging comment!
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