Rhythms of Rest
In the life of a homeschool mama, rest can seem elusive. But with practice we can build in rhythms of rest that will add margin and restoration to our days.
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11.28-30
Daily Rhythms
Each day we schedule time to rest. Some of us actually sleep, others listen to audiobooks or do other quiet work. But for an hour or so each day, it’s mostly quiet. This amount of time may be something you work up to, but the rewards are worth it. Especially for the introverts in your family.
Weekly Rhythms
Each week we take Wednesdays off from our regular school work. Sometimes this day is used for extra chores or catching up on laundry. But some weeks this is the time we meet up with friends at the park or take some other adventure. This midweek break means we never have more than a couple of days of wok before we get time to rest.
Seasonal Rhythms
Some homeschoolers work in 6 week terms through the year, and then take the 7th week as a break week. We haven’t done this fo the most part. But this year the college freshman had the 7th week off for Fall Break, so we took that week off too. I’ve got to say, it was wonderful! But returning to the rhythm was more difficult than I expected.
Sabbath Rhythms
Each week we get the chance to reset with Sabbath observances. It’s been revelatory for me to begin the Sabbath on Saturday evening. Our Saturday dinner is more celebratory, but we’ve had time in the afternoon to support that extra work. Then our actual sleep is a part of the gift of Sabbath. We can approach Sunday better equipped to find rest in worship.