Biblical Womanhood: Guest Post: On the way to a more structured life

Guest Post by Sherrin Drew from A Deeper Love

I've long wondered how to implement a workable schedule, and tried it a few times with a sheet divided up into 30-minute time slots. Crystal has rightly pointed out that starting out like this generally does not work!

In contrast, Crystal's encouragement to do the same five things in the same order every morning seemed very achievable. It was not dependent upon completing things in time. I just needed to get through the five things each morning.

Here are my five things:

Have breakfast and pray. I use my daily prayer cards while I prepare breakfast and while eating. Usually, my husband is not up yet.
Wash, dress, and make the bed.
Do my exercises for my back problem.
Scripture memory and Bible reading.
Go for a walk.

This routine has been an invaluable help in getting the most important things done. Previously, I would often put these things off in order to do other things that seemed pressing at that moment. Then, before I knew it the afternoon would come around and I hadn't been for a walk. Often at that stage it was time to think about dinner or about other tasks and the walk never happened. Or I would stay in my pajamas while working, and feel bad when I was still wearing them at 9 or 10 am.

Now, I have a routine to remind me that it is important to prioritize these basic things. The other things can wait! After developing this I felt a greater ability to add some more structure to my day. I now also have general goals for what I will achieve before lunch, before dinner, or before bed. Aiming to get my daily cleaning task done before lunch, or before 3 pm if that fails, helps me to feel calmer at dinner time and in the evening.

I still feel frustrated at times about how long it takes me to get through my morning routine, and wonder how it will need to change in other circumstances. However, this system is a tool that can be adapted for different seasons of life. I am currently a homemaker and a student. I have particular needs because of chronic back pain, including sitting down between activities. Someone else will have different circumstances and needs. A routine is simply a tool to help you to order your life, whatever that may look like. It can be adapted and improved all the time.

Sherrin Drew is a new wife and homemaker in Tasmania, Australia. She loves her husband Dave, fresh food from the garden, children, reading, beautiful pictures, hot cups of herbal tea, and memorizing Psalms. Most of all, Sherrin desires to be passionate about the God who has saved us and about the people He has made. Sherrin finds that the Internet can be a great way to be encouraged and to communicate God's love. She has a blog called "A Deeper Love".

Labels: Home Management and Organization

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Guest Post: On the way to a more structured life

Excitedly Anticipating Blessing #3!

One of My Favorite Sites

Search