Quiet time with a little one in tow is quite different.
It has been a struggle for me ‘finding time’ to read the Bible and pray daily. I have struggled for multiple reasons, but finding time has been a huge one.
I shared a few months ago about my attempt to have quiet time while my son took his bath. This seemed to work at first, but after a few tries, I realized it wasn’t going to be very practical. My boy was constantly standing up and pushing his limits in the bath tub so I was having to stop and enforce the “no standing” rule etc. in the middle of reading. and do it immediately since it is a safety issue as well as an obedience one! I was also running into problems with this method because some days he would not be interested in a very long bath. 5 minutes and he’d be done, and that’s not enough time for a good quiet time.
I think for new mamas it may take a lot of searching and trying different things until you find what works for you. Lots of trail and error! The important thing is to keep trying and not to give up or make yourself feel guilty.
I am happy to say that I have finally found something that works for us! (for now) I’m sure I will have to edit this or find something new when the new baby arrives, but for now this is working splendidly for us!
every morning my son and I get up at the same time. I hear about all these mamas who rise up early before their kids and have quiet times or get all this stuff done, and I think that’s awesome. I just can’t do it! I would be exhausted all day!!! especially now, with my pregnancy, it’s all I can do to get up when my little boy does, I can’t imagine trying to get up earlier ;)
So we get up together and I rock him for a few minutes while he’s still sleepy and willing to snuggle
I am so excited to have found something that works for us for now! I know that when the new baby comes I may have to find something new, BUT the important thing is, solutions are out there. You (I…We) can make time to spend reading the Bible and praying, it just takes a LOT more creativity when there are little ones to keep up with at the same time.
If you are still searching for something that works well for you, don’t give up! and don’t feel discouraged, I think it is a battle that all Christian mothers face at one time or another, so don’t feel bad! Pray and ask God to give you creativity and wisdom to know when would be a good time, and keep trying new things until something clicks for you!!! :) and remember, this stage doesn’t last forever. If you miss quiet time with out having to think or worry about a baby or tot – it won’t always be this way, and having them under foot just gives you one more thing to thank God for as you pray over them :)
I want to hear from you! Have you found something that works for you to get in a daily quiet time? or are you still figuring it out? any one have any more tips to share?
Amy says
I think God gives SPECIAL GRACE AND MERCY to mothers with young ones! Mine are 5 and 6 right now, but I well remember when my daughter was about the age of your little boy (from the looks of the picture) and I was pregnant with my son. There is just no routine to that time, and that’s OKAY. And, yes, when the baby comes all the routine you have set up will go out the window and you’ll have to find new ones and that’s OKAY. I lived by the Elisabeth Elliot phrase “Do the next thing” for years. It has taken me 4 years to find the “right” time for time with the Lord, so give yourself a break!!!! This time passes so fast. Thanks for visiting me @ piecesofamy!
futurehope says
that’s good to hear Amy! thanks for the encouragement!!! I try not to be too hard on myself, and yet still make it a priority! Not always easy, but I’m learning as I go.
Great quote! I love Elisabeth Elliot!
Kathryn says
Paula, I just love this. I have struggled with this for so long! I have found that doing it at night before bed is what helps me. The only thing is, once Jon comes back from deployment I will have to change it again because usually before bed is our time to talk and stuff. I am like you and it is so hard to get up early especially since my son usually sleeps 7-7 which would mean I would have to get up at 6 or 6:30 to get everything in. I need to make it a priority though. Definitely something to think about before my husband gets back!
Michy (lovingourjourney.com) says
Just like you…can’t quite get up like that in the am and do everything….love that you found something that works for you! REally enjoying reading your posts and thanks for your comment on bible at my site….ordering it now, so many convincing comments–but yours made the decision completely clear. Thanks! Seeing if I can find you on fb!
Inviting you to link up (unless you have today already and I didn’t see it yet-thanks then) at Faithfully Parenting Fridays on my site!