I have heard it said and have even said of other women that they are gifted in time management. But is it really a gift? Isn't it really a skill that can be worked on and developed over time. Some do acquire the skill quicker but no matter how fast it is mastered, it is one of the skills that every woman works on and is also a very helpful skill.
Time management is so much more that just accomplishing a to do list or having the appearance of being busy all of the time. Time management is finding God and putting everything else in line after Him, choosing the direction you are headed and moving forward toward it. There isn't a formula because for each family the direction and the steps to get there are different. For example, some children thrive getting up early and getting their work done, others need that sleep and will function much better starting later in the morning. Having a schedule is not good or bad in itself, but what works for your family is truly what matters. If having a schedule becomes the focus and you lose the ability to be flexible and available for what God would call you to do, then maybe there is to much schedule. If however you never get anything done, maybe some scheduling could be beneficial.
Some things to ask as you think about your time management are:
1. How do you fit chores into your day? Not only chores for the kids but also mom's chores. Does mom try to do everything while everyone is waiting on her to get things done? Does the house always have to be perfect or is it allowed to feel lived in? When do the children start participating in the upkeep and operations of the household? They may not do things perfectly but their contribution will be a blessing to you and they will learn so much in the process.
2. How do you get things done with interruptions like the phone, discipline, the baby, oh it's time to fix lunch...already? I answer the phone if I have time, otherwise it goes to voice mail and I promise I will call you back. Don't take it personally but sometimes I must stay on task, since I am trying to teach my children that very thing, I need to be a good example.
3. Do you use a schedule, to do list, general routine, lesson plans or something else? Everyone has their opinion of what is best but try them out and you decide what works best for you.
4. How do you get it all done and still keep your sanity? Really...is that possible? It is not always easy but it is possible! The things you don't get done today will keep until tomorrow...I promise, the laundry will still be there!
5. How do you have time to do anything else besides school work? Make the time so you can be the woman God wants you to be. Invest in someone else other than your children and God will bless that relationship.
I would encourage you to get up and get dressed each morning because it will help you feel like there is something to accomplish within that day. You are ready to participate in the day! Remember to relax...it's okay!
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
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