It’s a grey winter day in the 30’s, cold for Mississippi. Propped up in bed, I’m warm and surrounded by pillows. My little black dog lies next to me while I write and edit.

It rained all weekend, but we picked up our grandkids and filled the house with energy.

The kids built pillow forts, car tracks, and stuffed animal zoos. We played hide and seek, watched a football game, and made Big Breakfast together. In the light of our tree filled dining room window, the kids made purple playdoh cakes, and my husband and grandson played chess. To make it all work, my husband handled the cooking for the weekend, while I kept it all running smoothly and directed activities. A weekend at Grammie’s house is like camp.

In light of all the energy brought and expended with grandchildren, I know that today is a recharge day.

Fibromyalgia requires rest and balance, so I’ll stay in bed and write at my leisure, shut the bedroom door and let Not-Me the Roomba vacuum. Maybe I’ll watch one of my favorite movies or sleep a little more, but I have to refill the tanks.

We all need days that recharge the batteries.

Years ago when my daughter was in high school and I was in ministry, I was exhausted to the point of break down. I constantly ran on low fuel. We had an amazing life, but there was something going on every minute of every day. I won’t list all the activities and responsibilities I allowed outside of my immediate family and work, but it should have been spread between 3 or 4 people.

My over scheduled over committed life wore me down. Eventually, my body quit letting me do it.

If you are one of those people, trust me and start saying no to outside things.

Say “No thank you,” or “I can’t help you with your project, I am over committed.”

You could also say “I already have a commitment, but I will let you know if I think of someone that can help.”

Just because someone asks you to help, doesn’t mean you have to help. If you have a family, you’re already locked into a season of family commitments for a while.

Our family has a mantra “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

Don’t spread yourself so thin that you cry yourself to sleep or yell every time the kids do something kid like. If you are on edge, you need to create some boundaries and say “No” to any more demands on your time.

Finally, you are not responsible for other people’s fires.

You are not responsible for emergencies they created.

Take care of yourself, especially if you are an overworked mom or dad. Require your kids to help themselves and help the household.

As a grandmother, my grandkids surround me with life and energy. They keep me young, but to give them my best, I limit other demands.

Recharge, reboot, and fill up your vessel. Pour in something that recharges your batteries.

Selflessness can be beautiful, but you can’t pour refreshing water from a dry vessel.

For those who need a bowl of soup and a hug try this post.

For those who battle depression, try this category.

Barefoot and writing,

Kim

You can’t pour fresh water from a dry vessel. #rest