Ever have those moments when you learn something about yourself that you didn’t know? I like to think that those tidbits come from God, our personal Creator, Who knows more about me than He’ll ever tell me. Last week was one of those times for me.

I found myself in a very weary spot, drained from ministry and empty from giving. Stressed more than I should have been. Desperately needing intentional rest.

By the way, have we met yet? I’m Martha, a true introvert at heart, but a busy introvert. One tasks leads to another and sitting seems like a waste of time.  I love to read, but sometimes I can’t if there’s a task looming over me that needs to be done. I was raised on a tough, consistent work ethic, and while I appreciate the character traits that come with that, I could be a workaholic if my husband wasn’t around to tell me to slow down. 🙂 {I know none of you are that way…ahem}

Well, last week I changed my name. I liked the sound of Mary, so I stepped into her world.  My schedule was unusually clear after Tuesday, so I embarked on an experiment. Wednesday through Friday I got up to feed my children, then headed back upstairs.  We have a DVD player in our bedroom, so I got Small Son all set up for school in there (instead of in the school room) and then tucked myself back in. I rested intentionally and enjoyed a more extended time with God each day. I did my online work in the morning instead of the afternoon. {It paid off too- I finished my book and sent it to my editor. Hooray!}

I also did some reading and watched a movie with my children after the school work was complete. Around noon I got up and dressed, and we planned the afternoon. One day I met my husband for lunch and then drove the kids to the park; the next day we walked  to the park, grabbing some friends on the way to play with us. The third afternoon we went to the library and spent the afternoon playing and reading.

Each afternoon (after our outings) I got busy on my household chores. Got a bit behind in laundry (folding, that is) but the house stayed pretty neat because we spent the morning in one room.

Even more than the relief of a change of schedule and the enjoyment of more one on one time with my children was the surprise of how much energy I had in the afternoons. It was unbelievable. I felt like super mom, super pastor’s wife, super cook, super everything. {ha- I’m back to reality now}

Some of you know that I struggle with some chronic health issues resulting from my pregnancies. One of them is adrenal fatigue {I dare you not to google it}. 🙂  My energy levels are low anyway, but last week taught me how much more I can get done when I conserve my energy and generate it specifically. Instead of spending the morning in a whirlwind of housework and homeschooling and ending up zonked for the rest of the day, I’m learning how to maximize  my energy through the whole day by conserving it.

Most of you are thinking, “I WISH I could spend my mornings in bed!”

Well, so do I. Reality returns. And this week I’m Martha again. But hopefully with a Mary heart. 🙂

Hey, let’s chat! What is your best time of day? What measures do you take to conserve energy?