Time to REST

You may have noticed (is anyone out there?) That I made no new posting Sunday or Monday.

The reason is that life gets so busy sometimes that a person occasionally needs to just stop everything and take time for the things that are important to them.

In days gone by, life was a lot simpler- especially for women. Not that life has ever been without its challenges, but years ago a woman's concerns revolved around motherhood, housework, and being a good wife. There are enough challenges just in those roles.

Now however, times have changed and women find themselves also taking on the role of the Provider.

Now I know there are women out there (somewhere) who have a great spouse who bears his share of the burden, is a good provider, and makes an effort to keep his family happy and well provided for ....

But for every one of those women, there are a hundred who find themselves completely alone while valiantly attempting to be a completely self-sufficient "Super Mom." These women deserve a crown!

In addition to spending sleepless nights nursing a sick child, and dragging themselves out of bed early to get kids out the door on time for school, they have the entire burden of maintaining the household; all the cleaning, laundry, mowing the grass, paying the bills, grocery shopping, preparing meals, doing the dishes- while also bathing the kids, taking care of pets, stopping to help with homework, breaking up fights with the kids, going to PTA meetings, and somehow finding time to take the kids to gymnastics or ballet lessons as well.

To those mothers who love and are devoted to their children, no sacrifice is too great- because they know that theirs is a unique role which no one else can fulfill. But that doesn't mean that they never have moments of longing for a few minutes of solitude- or for the ability to lose themselves in a good book- or to enjoy and uninterrupted chat with a friend.

These little delights we all take for granted- but to a mom, they are rare treasures! Moms give so much of their time and energy that the very thought of taking time "for me" is downright laughable. But that's exactly what is needed. No one, however selfless they may be is able to just continually give and give of their time and energy without taking some time to refresh and recharge somewhere along the way.

All of us- even those who aren't moms, need to be able to look forward to some time during the day that is just for us. Whether that means time spent on Facebook updating friends, going out for coffee, or just taking a long nap, our emotional and physical health depends on it.

But this sort of time is virtually impossible for single moms- so how can they recharge? With no one to lighten the load for them, and little if any encouragement (much less recognition for their efforts), is it really so surprising that so many children today are neglected or abused?

I'm not advocating the neglect or abuse of a child, but I think its time that we as a society acknowledge that the single mom is herself often one of the most neglected. Maybe if we all were willing to offer a little emotional (and financial) support to the single moms we know when we see the need, there would be less neglect and abuse of children.

Do you know a single mom? How could you offer support and encouragement? Could you make a difference in their day? You'd be surprised how little it would take- and it could make a huge difference - not only for "Mom," but for the child.

Check out these links! >http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Time-for-You-(for-Moms)
http://www.momstoday.com/articles/leisure-and-entertainment/even-super-mom-needs-a-break-3075/