Why is it that adults have a significantly harder time than children answering the question of “what are your hobbies and interests?” As we are the senior, shouldn’t we have a better idea of things we find enjoyment in? Have you ever stuttered at this question on an “about me” sheet and thought “gosh I don’t have time for anything but work”, or “I’m a mom, keeping children alive is my hobby”, or have you thought about putting “sleep” down as a possible answer?
Getting lost in our work, our kids, and the monotony of daily life is a struggle I see many people facing. Our days are short, the weeks and months tick off quicker than we can keep up with. Accessibility is high, interactions are low, and the to-do list is never ending…Here is where I want to press the pause button. What in your week excites you? What passions are you tending to? How many times have you laughed, high fived, hugged, squealed, patted yourself on the back, happy danced this last month? It doesn’t have be a kid-on-Christmas-eve type of excitement, but where would you put yourself on a smile scale?
What can we intertwine between work, chores, and our relationships (kids, spouse, family, etc) that sparks excitement? The benefits of using all four lobes in our brain will seep back into the work, chores, and relationships mentioned above.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control.”
2 Timothy 1:7
We live for more than caffeine, bedtimes, and an annual summer vacation. The rat race of life is not for me, nor is it for you.
See Psalm 90:12 “so teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Our time here on earth is but a flash with no redos or rewinds. I am convinced that we can squeeze more fullness out of our life and out of our relationships if we seek to fill our cup with our passions – in doing so we bring more purpose and joy to our packed schedules.
Do you despise your job? Are you constantly bickering with your partner? Has the fun been sucked out of parenting? Have you lost your spunk & spice? Where could one possibly start if they’re feeling more like a robot and have lost their spark?
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore
Psalm 16:11
Pray for new paths to present themselves to you and for the strength to take steps toward them. Certainly time, finances, and responsibilities will play a major factor in what you can start integrating into your life, but set aside some time to brainstorm a challenge list for yourself.
It could include…
– signing up for a weekly class (dance, yoga, spin, crochet, photography, quilting, cooking, etc)
– testing out a new club or group (bible study, book club, sports club, comedy club, trivia club)
– having your own paint class or make-up class at home with a YouTube tutorial
– planning a family day at a nearby lake
– making a cake for no reason and spending the afternoon decorating it
– starting a scrapbook
– browsing an outdoor sports store and treating yourself to a new toy (paddle board, kite, fishing rod, bike, tennis racket, etc)
– pulling out a coloring book that has been long forgotten
– setting up a couples game night, trivia night, or bonfire night
– buying a new instrument to learn or finding a chorus to join
– volunteering in your ministry, at a local shelter, or a local Habitat for Humanity group
– checking out your nearest craft store or hardware store for classes offered this month
My last blog (Cartwheels) talked about setting yourself some “small potato” goals to reach – how are we doing on goal setting?
But more than that, are you being deliberate with your actions and your life? Imagine the children’s room decor section when you’re staring at your reflection brushing your teeth in the morning…. “she leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes,” “she will move mountains,” “bring your own sunshine”… when did we start believing that we were too old for these messages?
My prayer for this wonderful growing community of Christian women is that we support and uplift one another in our valleys AND encourage and inspire one another to reach our peaks. No excuses, no blame, no victims… Strive to do better, pray for more skills, and keep your eyes looking up for those summits.
One last scripture to leave you with:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these this will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Dear Lord, I pray that you light a fire in our hearts. Please help this community find their identity in you and take a hold of today! Thank you for the joy you have brought into our lives and thank you for continuing to bless the paths ahead of us. I pray that we wake up each day with a refreshed mindset to keep moving upward and onward, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written By: Ashley Elliott
