Now that school is underway and the weather is cooling a little, I'm getting that restless feeling -- I want to redecorate the house, or at least get out of the house since it doesn't look like the magazine cover I admire!
A couple of years ago I found another stay-at-home mom in my church who shared this feeling. We decided to start a group to combat our cabin fever/boredom/nesting instinct-which-can-get-expensive.
We called our group T.I.M.E.-out (Toddlers, Infants & Moms Encouraged). The group was free and open to anyone (we even welcomed dads and grandparents). We tried to meet once a week in one of our homes or, if the weather allowed, at the park.
One of us would bring a snack and we would visit and fellowship while the kids played for an hour or two. People would come and go as their schedules allowed. There was nothing really organized or structured, just "time out" to hang out and get to know each other, share, laugh about our problems and challenges and provide support for each other.
Sometimes it was a real challenge to find a time when we could all be there between school, doctor appointments, shopping, part-time jobs, etc. But that was part of the fun!
Our group hasn't met in awhile. The co-founder moved overseas when her husband had the opportunity to transfer; at least three of us got part-time jobs; and things just became harder to coordinate.
I miss that time. If I can find a window of time and several moms who can fit through it, I think I'll try to get it going again.
Our culture today hasn't built in that "girl time" with quilting bees and church socials like our grandmothers probably experienced. We have to be creative and work it in for the sake of our sanity.
"Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
As you find your 10 minutes today, read the rest of 1 Thessalonians and encourage another mom!