"As I have talked to young mothers and mothers with children at home — those with teenagers and young adults especially—they tell me that their most important shift to be at the top of their game, to be the strongest lioness at the gate is the “swing shift.” That’s the afternoon shift.
"That’s when everyone comes home hungry, tired, needy, and less lovable. It is when you are hungry, tired, needy, and less loveable. It is also the time of day when people are more teachable, when they are most grateful.
"When we realize and prioritize our time properly, we don’t expect to use all of our strength on the other two shifts so that the afternoon shift can be safeguarded and can be a time of strength and power.
"We plan for times when the meals are there together, when we can create that home environment and when that family can gather, and you are the strengthening power and force in that family.
"Remember that influence and power come when we prioritize correctly. If you spend time elsewhere, you don’t have it to give. ... You have to prioritize where you are going to spend your energy." Julie Beck - BYU Women's Conference - April 2010
I really struggle during the late afternoon hours. So - I've decided a few things that would help me survive. Now - I just need to do them.
2. Plan and prepare dinner as much as possible before noon. If I establish a consistent meal plan, then the plan is there. And many dishes can partially be prepared ahead of time and I know that would help me survive the swing shift hours.
3. Figure out what to do with Max and Tru during this time. In between feeding and playing with babies, keeping the school kids on track with snack, homework, reading, afternoon tasks, and chores, those little ones have a hard time. They are tired and hungry and they suck every ounce of energy and patience from me. It's the pull on mom's pants and cry time of day. Any ideas? I feel like I need 4 arms, 4 brains, 4 sets of ears, and 4 mouths to keep up with everyone that needs me at the same time. I read a blog recently that said instead of always praying for patience, we ought to pray for wisdom to know how to raise our tots so they can obey. I think I'll pray for both... as both are definitely needed.
I know there are blessings galore when we create the home environment where the family can gather and feel loved and secure. It's definitely something worth working at.
Three things I'm grateful for today:
1. Jimmy comes home by 5 most days. He saves us all.
2. I'm glad I have a cheering section up in heaven. They are rooting for this mother to keep at it.
3. The amazing part is that when I falter, Heavenly Father can make up the difference as long as I'm doing my best and placing faith in Him.
Onward - ever Onward!
3 comments:
This is the most amazing timely message for me, too! Thanks so much, Heath. I had just been thinking this week about this difficult time of the day and how I really need to prepare myself to be at the top of my game during this time. Thanks for your ideas. You work and try so hard to do your best to be a great mom. You are triumphing every day! I love you and am inspired by your willingness to do good. Thank you!
I'd like to copy all of your posts and post them to my blog, especially this one. Thanks for the message and it is SO true!
You are oh so wise and insightful Heather--You already mentioned the 2 things that help me the most. If I have the busy work of dinner done before kids get home EVERYTHING is so much better. Lately I don't even know what we are having when it's time to eat! Bad. And the scripture study is one I have so needed to work on and improve lately and I know you are right in saying that would fill the tank and make it less likely to run out. Anyway, that was an amazing quote, and I hadn't heard it. I am keeping it. I love how she said to plan not to use all of your energy in the other 2 shifts. That's exactly what I always do! Thankyou and good luck!
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