Time For Me
It’s been a busy season for me. A lot of traveling, work, church, home repairs and more. And while all of the things are really good. it’s easy to see that all these goods things have piled up and have drained me as well. I was challenged by a close friend to make sure I was taking time for myself and time for God. In the midst of everything being so busy, it’s easy to let the time that normally refuels me fall to the wayside. I need to be intentional about setting aside time for me to do the things that give me life so I am able to pour into others. I cannot give what I do not have. For me, it’s three things:
1. Solitude: I need to regularly set aside time for me to be quiet. For me that means waking up earlier, sitting in my family room with a cup of coffee. During those quiet morning times I am able to journal, pray, and read scripture. For me that’s what works. I can’t quiet my mind later on in the day, so I know I need to take time in the morning.
2. Time with my wife: Whether it is going on walks, reading together, watching a movie together, playing a game, going to flea markets, or just being in the same room together, I need regular time with just my wife. When I get this time I feel more grounded and life is more in balance for me. Plus, it’s just a ton of fun to hang out with her.
3. Time in community: I recharge when I get to spend quality time with people I love. My wife and I have two other couples in our lives that we love dearly and love hanging out with. These four other people have gone through a lot with us and we need them regularly in our lives. About a year ago we started getting together about once a month for Grub Club nights. We pick a theme and then all cook dinner together and play games. We spend half the night cooking and the whole night laughing. We’ve done Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Appetizer, Breakfast, and more. These nights are a great time of being together and so much fun.
That’s what I need in my life to keep me sane. What are the things you need?
About the Author
Doug Franklin
Doug Franklin is the president of LeaderTreks, an innovative leadership development organization focusing on students and youth workers. Doug and his wife, Angie, live in West Chicago, Illinois. They don’t have any kids, but they have 2 dogs that think they are children. Diesel and Penelope are Weimaraners who never leave their side. Doug grew up in… Read More
