I remember once reading about one homeschool mom’s journey — about the things she had given up to spend time on her children. She hoped to get back to those things at some other point in her life. I don’t know how the end of the story turned out — whether those interests that she had given up were ever revisited or not. I do know that becoming one-dimensional not only hurts us — drains our energy, diminishes our focus, tears away at the things that make us us — it also affects our entire family, including those very children we tend to sacrifice for. Our children need us to remain creative!
To keep things in perspective here, I’m not for a minute suggesting that it isn’t good and right to sacrifice ourselves for our children. One of the blessings of having children is having so many of those self-centered tendencies sanded off. But one of the first things to go is usually our own creativity — those gifts that we have to enjoy and to bless others with.
Why is remaining creative so important?
What is one of the main things we want to encourage in our children? Creativity! We make time to make sure they pursue their own talents and have ample opportunity to practice their craft.
How will they best learn? By watching us!
You see the problem….
Looking back on my own life, I know that the times when I have been closest to my children were those times when I was more creative. Yes, the plate was very full — but so was life.
When we scale back our creative self, we have less self to give to others.
The generous soul will be made rich,
And he who waters will also be watered himself.Proverbs 11:25
Well, you have to have something to water with!
What are those creative things you love to do?
Make a quick list. Put them in order of enjoyment. Start at the top and make room in your schedule to spend at least 15 minutes each day on something creative.
Let the fun begin!
Additional Resources
10 Ways to Stay Well-Rounded
Staying creative is one….
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