Making Time for Quiet Times

We’ve all been there, the overwhelming symphony of all the things on our to-do lists. And on top of the to-do list, the things we want to do like sitting on the floor playing legos with our kids, trying a new recipe, or even things we feel like we should be doing like spending time with God.

Do you ever feel like you just cannot get it all done? The guilt of not getting the laundry done, all the things on the check list, or even not having a quiet time, it can really make you feel like a failure as a mother. For me, I spent this past year working and supporting my husband’s mission making me feel like I really couldn’t get it all done at times, like something had to give or just altogether throwing in the towel.

But that’s when grace comes in!

Grace is what God offers us when we really don’t deserve it. Thankfully God doesn’t care about our laundry baskets, if our houses are spic-and-span or even that we were able to build an extravagant Star Wars lego creation. But what He does yearn from us is us, our relationship with Him and our hearts.

So on top of the to-do lists, chores, being a wife and a mama, how do we make time to spend time with the Lord?

I know, great question and although I’m not full of all the answers, I have few tips that I hope will help you out, not only in your motherly endeavours but also making time to be in the word and with the Lord.

First things FIRST. This sounds so easy but it isn’t is it! The alarm clock beeps, snooze, beep snooze… and finally your able to rise after about 30 minutes if you’re like me. By then, the kids are up, ready to start the day, then breakfast and the list goes on. Somehow, first things first is last or even non-existent.

So if you are able to make time for a morning quiet time here’s a couple tips:
Tip #1: Allow yourself only 1 snooze or better yet set your alarm for a time you’ll get up.
Tip #2: The night before, pull out your bible, devotional, or whatever you use in your quiet time and have it ready for you in the morning.

For some mothers, an early morning isn’t a time that will work. If you have to be a work early, you have a baby who is up at night, or several other reasons… that’s ok, please do not feel guilty! You can have a afternoon quiet time. While your kids are napping, you’re on your lunch break or your kids are having some quiet reading or homework time, there’s your cue!

Tip #3: Set your timer for 5 minutes. Even if that’s the only time you get to spend praying and reading a passage of scripture or from your devotional, isn’t that better than none? If you happen to get more time, great! But these 5 minutes are for you & God. The world isn’t going to end if you’re not there!

Now for some of us, morning or afternoon (or even naptime… what is that anyway??) just isn’t going to work. And in the evenings amongst the craziness, well, that ain’t gonna work either! The next best things is at bedtime. Although you’re worn out from the day, get your pj’s on, brush your teeth, and sit up cozily in your bed and spend time with God before you’re out.

Tip #4: After spending a few minutes in your quiet time, ask your husband a couple nights a weeks to have a couples quiet time together. This can help put a firm foundation of your marriage. If your husband isn’t a believer pray, pray, pray and be sure to ask him if you can pray you both.

Well, like I said, I don’t know all the answers and I am still working on all these tips myself. I don’t have it all together and sometimes failing to make the time but remember God’s not counting the minutes, He’s counting on your heart to be open and willing!

Check out these other posts from the Mommy Guilt to Mommy Grace hop:
When Your Quiet Times Aren’t So Quiet
Why I Gave Up on Going to Bible Study
I’m not Supermom

What’s your tip for making time for quiet times?