A Guest Post by Gleniece Lytle
There are many things we do, as moms, to keep our homes running smoothly and our families fed, clean, and content.
That is part of what gives us joy and purpose.
But what mom doesn’t crave those quiet, uninterrupted moments?
Those chocolate-melting-in-your-mouth-with-your-eyes-closed moments.
Those precious moments between “Mom, I can’t find my hairbrush!”, “Mom, I’m hungry”, “Mom, can you fix this?”, and “Honey, can you look up tomorrow’s weather for me and find that receipt?”
On a still Saturday afternoon, my legs curled up under me on the couch and a long neglected book in my hand, I stumbled upon one such moment.
The dishes were done.
Dinner was thawing on the kitchen counter.
The kids were happily munching grapes from our lone vine in the garden.
My husband was listening to the radio on the back porch.
Ahh bliss. If only we could bottle our peaceful moments, and open them whenever we wish. {sigh}
If only we could bottle our peaceful moments, and open them whenever we wish.We all have a mere twenty-four hours to get things done, don’t we?
Eating, sleeping, school, work, never ending meal planning, and the dreaded laundry pile.
Despite all these things, we hope to squeeze in sanity makers throughout our day.
Creative outlets like reading, writing, painting, gardening. Hobbies that provide us a way to relax and unwind.
Because our spare time is so fleeting, we sometimes snatch hold of it fearfully (it’s mine, I tell you, it’s all mine!!).
Like a possessive toddler, we are more than reluctant to share.
A Call to Something Greater
I was three sentences into the first paragraph of my book when I heard it—the infectious, upbeat rhythm of a popular 60’s tune blaring from the back porch.
I almost ignored the intrusion.
But I sensed a gentle nudging to relinquish the grip I had on my treasured moment.
A higher calling—a sacred opportunity to sacrifice my silver for gold.
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 NKJV
With only a second or two of hesitation, I laid aside my book and leaped off the couch, skipping my way out the door.
My husband turned to see me sashaying towards him, snapping my fingers, and immediately he joined me, a huge smile on his face.
We were like two teens playing hooky in the middle of a school day, while our children looked on with glee.
My husband grabbed my hand and twirled me around, held me close, then dipped me low.
Soon we were laughing, singing at the top if our lungs, shaking our hips—the whole shebang!
I could hear a lot of giggling from the grape vine.
“Look at Dad move!”, they said while I shimmied and my husband stomped.
Eventually, the song played out, and I breathlessly thought about how infrequently I do this; drop everything and engage in spontaneous fun.
I could have stayed on the couch, greedily protecting the ten minutes of solitude I craved.
I could have guarded my time and basked in my chocolate moment.
But instead, I delighted my husband and added positive memories to the scrapbook of life for my kids.
I released an ordinary moment to capture an extraordinary one.
When was the last time you released an ordinary moment to capture an extraordinary one.
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. Proverbs 11:24 NKJV
The search for a relaxing hour or two amid our harried life can become all-consuming if we’re not careful.
It can breed resentment toward our daily chores and the demands of our loved ones if we don’t find it.
It can prevent us from appreciating our blessings and hold us back from experiencing peace in the midst of the chaos.
That is why we need to ask God to prepare our hearts to see the greater opportunity in front of us.
We need to be willing to let go of our silver, so we don’t miss out on His gold.
We need to be willing to let go of our silver, so we don't miss out on His gold.Trading Silver Moments for Gold
Every day there are things we have to do and things we want to do, and there are interruptions that go with each.
Let’s be on the lookout to view these inevitable interruptions as treasured moments waiting to bless us.
You start dinner prep early–Silver.
You let your kids snuggle on your lap a little longer instead (even if they are almost as big as you are) while they ask you what is fire made of (uhh…), if they can have raisins instead of broccoli tonight (no), and what it took for them to beat the mega boss on level 8–Gold.
You tidy up the living room after tucking your kids into bed–Silver.
You spend that time by their bedside answering questions of what it was like before they were born–Gold.
You write a few more words late at night for that upcoming post or book project–Silver.
You set it aside because your husband wants to “talk”—words only you can hear—a husband-wife conversation that bonds you together and brings glory to God–Gold.
I relish my quiet time. But when I’m willing to lay aside my plans and expectations, I gain more than I lose.
I don’t remember what book I was reading that day.
But my husband remembers his barefoot best friend be-bopping with him on the back porch.
He remembers the light in my eyes, the laughter of our kids, and the playful smile spread across my face.
When I'm willing to lay aside my plans and expectations, I gain more than I lose.Keep your ears tuned to the songs of opportunity.
You never know when they will lead you to an impromptu dance floor of wonder and delight.
Abiding in the Vine,
~ Gleniece
Gleniece Lytle is a wife of 35 years and a mother of five. She lives in Arizona overlooking a lonesome desert valley. She’s been known to scribble in a task she forgot to add just for the sheer pleasure of crossing it off. Gleniece writes on her blog, Desert Rain, about godly marriage, contentment, loneliness, and biblical truth. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter and connect with her on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.
