So my one week Christmas break got a little carried away and turned into a three week break. I wish I could say I learned so much during this time and was getting lots done in other areas of my life, but the truth is it was just life. Happening. All around me.
What’s funny is even a day before things started going haywire, I would have been scared out of my brain thinking about having to deal with things. I worry too much in general, but especially about things beyond my control. How could I handle that? Or what if I wasn’t able to do such and such? Will my new blog fizzle out if we get busy? Or will I let the blog take over my days? I know Jesus tells us not to worry. And I really try. It’s an ongoing project.
There comes a time in every mom’s life when tough decisions loom and your true priorities are revealed. It’s one thing to write about family coming first, it’s another thing to practice that. I was so excited about my new site here and all the wonderful things I have planned for Homegrown Mom, and was in the thick of it all when I felt a little nudging to take a break.
I’m so glad I listened. Many things have been going on at home and my family has needed me. All of me. Not a distracted Mommy, or a busy Mommy. Not a blogging or Facebooking Mommy, or even a book-reading Mommy. It’s funny how the little things we worry about so much mean absolutely nothing when the people you love need you.
How many hours have I wasted worrying about those little things? Senseless worrying. Should be my New Year’s Resolution to quit doing that. Yes, life sometimes throws us a curveball, but in the end, things have a way of working out when your priorities are in order. While attending to important things, I let some of those nonessential things slip. I missed meeting friends, missed appointments, and even a writing deadline.
Only God could be responsible for the fact that I did not freak out. Much. And guess what? The friends understood. The dentist understood. And even the editor understood.
And readers? I’m guessing most of you read multiple blogs and didn’t even notice I was gone! And if you did, I knew you’d understand, too. Blogging has become part of my life, and I am so thankful for it. But it’s not my whole life.
I suppose I did learn a few things on my week off. I don’t need to worry about something going wrong. My family truly does come first and I have a whole special part of my brain and heart for them that just takes over when crisis occurs. That’s a relief to know.
I also learned that people are far more forgiving than I expect them to be. Especially the dentist.
And that as much as I love my online friends, there is no substitute for a hug in real life.
Now if I can just get to one of the blogging conferences this year and hug some of you in real life! Until then, I’ll get to work getting back to some of your emails that totally made my day 🙂 If I haven’t gotten back to you yet, it’s just because everything “bloggy” has been on the back burner. But believe me, they always brighten my day and often come at just the right moment!
I’m happy to be back! What’s new with you? Worrying much?
I would have noticed that you weren’t posting, but I knew why you were away. I’m glad to see you back, but I totally understand the absence. When we have had tragedies and traumas this year (especially when my Grandma died unexpectedly in November), it was very easy to just step away for a while.
If you could make it to Blissdom — I would be happy to give you a real life hug. 😉
Thanks, Angie! Maybe next year *crossing fingers*
I noticed, but I figured you were away on a much-needed vacation or something (and hopefully not sick like me).
Hope you’re feeling better!
I am a very new reader of yours and I noticed. I was starting to think maybe you had abandoned blogging and I would have to read my new copy “A woman after God’s own heart” on my own!
I’m glad you are back, and hope the blogging break was just what you needed. (And if your family needs you again, I’m sure we all totally understand and honour that priority).
Ha ha! Someone noticed? Well, cool!
I launched the book club today!
We love you honey and thank you for being a devoted wife and mom.
xoxo
This is one of the reasons I am so proud of you. You have figured out what is really important. And you have a gift of sharing it with others honestly. And you do! I wish I could hop on over, have some coffee, catch up in person and give you a HUGE HUG.
Love you!
Thanks <3 I wish we could get together, too! Someday…
Just found your blog from our get to know you survey at the Exemplify writers ning. I write for the family channel too. Love your blog and I look forward to your newsletters.
Blessings,
Amy
Thanks Amy! Looking forward to getting to know you, too 🙂
Of course we all missed you.
Who couldn’t love you?
As for the fretting–just remember what G’ma Brown always said:
Worry is like a rocking chair
It gives you something to do
But it doesn’t get you anywhere.
You have really strengthened your reliance upon Jesus.
Nothing else required.
Love you–mamala
Thanks, MOM! That G-ma Brown saying needs to go on a plaque!
Sounds like a wise Grandma Brown like mine. She always told me to lean on Jesus.
As for you being gone, well sure I missed you, but I knew that you were busy realxing and enjoying your family!
Thanks, Joy!