Take Back the Hours

A common complaint among homeschooling moms is that there are not enough hours in the day. Busy schedules, loaded with events and appointments, can easily turn homeschoolers into road scholars, leaving important things undone. Many moms feel stretched too thin as they grasp to reach their goals.

Over the years my husband and I have reworked and rethought our schedules, priorities and goals numerous times. Taking into account the size of our family, the ages of our kids, and our own energy levels, has helped to find balance in the way we use our time.

One mistake that we have made in the past has been to schedule our lives according to the things that seem to scream for our attention---and I am not talking about toddlers! The need to put out constant fires may be a sign that you are overextended and that you need to cut back on your commitments. Working hard, putting your kids in too many activities, hanging out with friends too often, and even church work can end up keeping you far away from your priorities. By themselves, none of these activities are wrong, but if you are struggling to get to the important things in life, you may need to rethink the way you spend your time.

Another common mistake is to simply avoid making goals or having a plan to reach them. It is commendable to desire a close relationship with your husband and children, but if your actions speak otherwise to them, your desire is worth nothing.

Here are some tips for using your time wisely and reaching your goals:

---Be specific about your goals. Make long-range goals and short-range goals.

---Keep a list of ways to acheive those goals and reread it occassioanlly. Be honest with yourself about whether or not you are making progress.

---Write important things on your calendar, even if they seem small
*Read a book with Aubry
*Ask Micah about the bridge he is building down by the fort
*Take Josiah out for ice cream this week
*Walk with Craig in the evenings

---Don't take on extra things until the "first things" are being done on a regular basis, even if those extra things are good and worthwhile.

---Leave a margin of time for life to happen. Unexpected events can turn your life upside-down if your calendar is filled to the max, with no room for surprises.

Everyone is given 24 hours per day. Taking back those hours and rescuing them from busyness is a good first step in prioritizing your life and reaching your goals. Plus, your family will thank you for it!

See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time... Ephesians 5:15-16