I kindof do all the time these days. I know I missed my blog day like 4 times or something. You know, my friends, I like a lot of things about myself, but if I could change one thing, it would be my forgetfulness. I am a really talented forgetter. Now I need to work on the talent of remembering. Sigh, well, here we are.
Swing Shifts
I was referred to this talk by Sister Julie Beck from the 2010 Women's Conference by a friend. Here's the part I am going to emphasize today:
In order to prioritize time wisely, I learned something from my father-in-law years ago. He was a steel worker and spent his life working three different shifts. He either worked the day shift, the afternoon shift, or the night shift. As a young mother I realized one time that I was working all three shifts, and that’s why I was so tired. We can’t do all things all at once, and we have to be careful and safeguard our shifts.
As I have talked to young mothers and mothers with children at home—those with teenagers and young adults especially—they tell me that their most important shift to be at the top of their game, to be the strongest lioness at the gate is the “swing shift.” That’s the afternoon shift. That’s when everyone comes home hungry, tired, needy, and less lovable. It is when you are hungry, tired, needy, and less lovable. It is also the time of day when people are more teachable, when they are most grateful. When we realize and prioritize our time properly, we don’t expect to use all of our strength on the other two shifts so that the afternoon shift can be safeguarded and can be a time of strength and power. We plan for times when the meals are there together, when we can create that home environment and when that family can gather, and you are the strengthening power and force in that family. Remember that influence and power come when we prioritize correctly. If you spend time elsewhere, you don’t have it to give. For other women it might be another time of the day. Some of us have to be on call during the day shift. There are many who need help during the day. Service is needed during the day, but look at and evaluate your life. Ask “Where do I need to prioritize my time?” and “When do I have to be at the top of my game?” I have learned that a good woman with the help of the Lord can usually work two to two and a half shifts. However, no one can work all three shifts. You have to prioritize where you are going to spend your energy.
I feel like lately, I have been trying to work all three shifts, and I have been feeling burnt out. I like the idea of finding what time I need to be at the top of my game, and focusing my energy there. I find that if I am fully present with my son for his preferred morning schedule of (1) play time and (2) breakfast time, then he will play by himself for a bit whilst I clean up the kitchen and get ready for the day's activities. And then I have some other times of the day where I need to spend my strength. I feel like mealtimes are a huge part of that, and I can safeguard my energy and time so I have it to give at the important moments.
What are your thoughts?
I love this analogy! Especially because I just found myself dozing off on the cough while 4 yr old watched Winnie the Pooh and the baby banged the blinds into the window repeatedly. Apparently I don't function well right after lunch, and that's ok :)
ReplyDeleteAnd by cough I mean couch. Like I said, not functioning.
ReplyDeleteI also like this. I need to start doing a better job prioritizing. I've noticed that if I just take things slowly it works better for our family. I'm a "get the job done now" kind of person but my little kids just aren't. Have you noticed these little people move SLOW??? When I try to rush Porter too much we both end up upset. Our best days are the days when I realize I'm not in a hurry and we can take time to look at every single bug between the front door and the mailbox. Obviously this doesn't work all the time but I try to keep perspective. After all, this time will only last a little bit. I like the analogy of the three shifts. Something to think about and apply.
ReplyDeleteJust want to let you know that I think about this all the time-- especially now that I have a child in school! That afternoon-dinner-bed time needs to be a priority and I need to be on my A game or Autumn won't have happy mom time. It's hard, but so important!
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