Tonight, a little worn out from my new job, cooking dinner, washing a bit of dishes – and I just wanted to write and go within myself. Unleash the thoughts bottled up during work.
My little guy, he came in as I sat down. “Can you help me now?” he asked. “Help me clean my room and move the bed. I’ve got the Lego’s picked up.”
My illustrator, he likes his room organized. Sometimes, it explodes with all his creativity – and he just needs companionship to muddle through it.
I left my quiet time, fenced in those racing ideas – and followed my son, my illustrator. Not as though I had lost something or as though something was taken from me. Interaction was intentional, focused – on his words, his ideas, his goals – and the being together, the interaction.
In the fasting of self, true love grows, with seeds left over for sharing.
Unconditional love fasts self and counts it blessing.
Unconditional love, this is how we make it through this life š
Hey Gal! VERY nice post. You know, I have never thought of giving up my “me time” as fasting, but you’re so right!
God Bless!
PJ
Looking to the good of others first, so hard yet so profound.
Lord help us to stay on the right track.
So sweet, and while it takes little time to help out a little guy, it truly means the world to them. š A lovely post!
oh, Mary leigh, this is so good! short and sweet, too! š i love how you were able to find something in your heart that fits into your daily life that fell into the category of fasting for Ann’s link-up. i was not able to fast, due to everyone in the house being terribly sick. ugh! so i didn’t join the link-up–needed some off-time. but some thoughts have been rolling around in my head and heart about time spent on things i enjoy, that i feel called to even, like writing–that is at the expense of my children. oh, this story, Mary leigh–it made me tear up, and it mentored me today, it sunk deeply in the calloused places of me and i pray it stays there. you are a *precious* mama, leaving your place of exhale, being so tired, and giving so fully to your son.
i loved this: “In the fasting of self, true love grows, with seeds left over for sharing.” i really, really needed to hear that. my husband reminds me that if i neglect the things my heart is truly tied to–my children, my home–then my soul will feel empty and i will have nothing to write about–he is so right. this will become a post–been thinking on this a lot.
i always love your sweet words of encouragement at my place, and im sorry it took me so long to get over here! i tried to leave a comment the other day, and after i wrote it all, it said comments were no longer allowed–i suppose a time thing–i get that–but wanted you to know that i was here!
love and blessings to you, sweet lady!
oh! i forgot to say–loved, loved the story behind the Ent poem! we love Lord of the Rings–just for Husband and i, of course–but i want the entire series of books for the girls! i also thought it was so lovely how you were walking and just felt God come along side you–oh, that’s beautiful that He does that, isn’t it? how you described the trees in praise, holding you in praise…i can’t get the words just right–but, oh, they melted my heart. i felt Him with me when i awoke from bed the other morning–its such a special feeling. i said, “Good morning, Lord. please help me with my day.”
i am off to read your poem, now, but prob wont be able to comment!
Love this post-I can so relate to wanting to “go within myself” and then write about all those racing thoughts. There is a fine line between wanting to share and perhaps minister to others through our experiences, and becoming narcissistic in our desire to withdraw and write.
“Fasting of self.” Yes, that is it!
yes and amen….when fasting from self…true love grows…and yes…you chose the best…even when they are 15…I had just sat down to check in on the blogs and she wanted to talk…so for the next hour we sat and just let her heart meander….thanks for this encouragement…blessings~
What a wonderful post. I am glad that you left a sweet comment on my blog tonight, because it lead me to this post and your blog. I loved every word of your wisdom, and the interaction between you and your young son! I love the reminder about fasting self that true love grows! Thanks for sharing! P.S. Five SONS you are officially my hero!
I have soooo been there! But let me encourage you as an older mother…you will always treasure the time you left yourself behind to invest in your children. I love this line…In the fasting of self, true love grows, with seeds left over for sharing.
How profound. I am so glad that you are sharing over at Painting Prose!
too true… I waited a decade to write as I home schooled my three boys… and there are days… I’d rather teach now than write…LOL, we are never happy where we are at!
I love how the Message translates it, “How can I help?” I do not have to think very long when it comes to my children; even the toddler who is in the throes of, “Let me do it.” In the business of living, fasting at first thought seems difficult, but as you so lovingly show your son through application fasting is a heart attitude. I have been following Ann’ links also and for me; praying more specifically with scripture over my family, my friends, and those whom I just happen to cross paths with. That verse resonates over and over in my heart and mind and I think so simply, for my husband, How can I help? by making certain the coffee is programmed for the morning. So small, but is noticed when it is absent.
It’s the little moments like these that make all the difference for our kids. Great reminder!
Beautiful. Makes me think of all the times I start out grudging when my kids (youngest now 14) pull me away from “my” stuff, still. But if you let true love have its head, then a fast turns into a feast in no time at all. I’m going to miss those moments, I know.
I need to learn that .. i some times think my own ideas cloud my love for others ..
thanks !
Ha, it can be such a balance can’t it, wanting to write, and children. I’m always telling myself there is writing and there is inspiration, and when I have to leave my writing to help clean up Cheerios I try to laugh with my kids and think sometimes the inspiration to write is only a Cheerio away.
-Bob
I just found you through women living well. I have 3 boys…15,13 & 8. I can’t wait to read more and glean from your writing. Beautiful post …
It seems counter-intuitive, but it works every time! Gotta give of our selves more, just as Christ gave of Himself for us! Beautiful reminder!