Welcome! Come on in..today we are going to reflect upon those dry & parched times when life takes on a same old, same old feel. Where going through the motions to do life is exhausting.
A few years ago, a young Mama I knew commented that she felt like she was just ticking boxes in her life, she had three young children in that crazy busy time of parenting. I totally understood as I remember going through that season in my life with young children.
But at the time I was also feeling similar & I was at the stage in life where my children were adults living in their own lives with their own young families.
Then just the other day, dear hubby said he felt like he was ticking boxes in life at the moment…
Ticking boxes in life will look different for each of us of course, as we live uniquely different lives in differing cultures but I believe we all experience these times in our lives, no matter where we live or what stage we are at…Life becomes a chore!
It happens when we are heavily laden with trying to focus upon & fulfill our adult responsibilities & feel extreme weariness which starts to feel like ticking boxes on life’s never ending “To Do” lists & life appointments…Why?
Because weariness suffocates the joy out of life!
What can we do?…
Join me in a cuppa to find out by clicking on the colored text below…
&
Until next time dear friend,
Jennifer
© teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photos on Pexels.com
Ah, yes, Jennifer, how much we need both of these things and fail to heed the nudge for them or decide we need a big vacation away. So often a smaller thing like a favorite brew of tea or coffee and some treat, a candle scent we love, a few fresh flowers, and some favorite melodies or simple silence can do wonders for us.
I cannot fathom we are approaching mid-September. It has been a flurry of celebrations for us since spring with a college graduation and a high school graduation, a daughter turning 50 and then having a 25th anniversary, and the college graduate getting into medical school and traveling to Tampa for his white coat ceremony. And here we are…
I long for time in my favorite chair with cup, journal, and Bible in hand and no limits on time. That is real restoration and retreat for me that I so seldom enjoyed before retirement.
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Goodness Pam you have been very busy! I can see why you long to have that enjoyable time in quiet contemplation with the Lord. Lovely having you drop by 😀
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Jennifer, it was a joy to go back and read your two posts. I must ask if that is you in the photos? It is so hard in the midst of our busy lives to take time for ourselves to reflect on God’s amazing goodness and his undeserved blessings. I always enjoy my Friday visits with you my friend ❤️
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It’s such a delight to have you join me here each week Pam! ♥
No, its not me Pam, I’m a wee bit older then that… 😉
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Dear Jennifer, this is a lovely, winsome invitation for weary travelers. Retreating, restoring, breathing deep, resting well. Rhythms of life that restore our souls and give us a fuller appreciation of where we find ourselves.
Thank you for this gift this morning …
Weekend blessings to you!
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You’re most welcome Timothy! We have a tendency to get over busy in life which is not healthy for us… glad you dropped by 😀
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Those mini-retreats are vital when we get to the point you’re talking about where we’re just ticking boxes, aren’t they? Sometimes just putting myself in a different location (often outdoors) can do a lot to refresh and rejuvenate my state of mind. Blessings to you, Jennifer!
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Absolutely Terri, taking time out in God’s creation is very rejuvenating. Blessings to you too my friend 😀
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Two important reminders Jennifer that we need to heed but often neglect so easily as we fall prey to external and internal expectations. X
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Thank you Marie! I totally agree, quite often they vy loudly for our attention too! Lovely having you drop by my friend 😀
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I love a quote from Brene Brown where she says “we must work to let go of productivity as a status symbol.” I think the culture inundates us with boxes to tick and it takes real discipline to move in God’s time instead.
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Oh, I love that quote too Elizabeth! I agree it does take discipline to allow God & His timing into our lives but it’s so worth it when we do! 😀
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I agree completely.
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Our to do lists do get long.
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Yes they can Rebecca, lovely to have you drop by 😀
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A lovely and wise post as always Jennifer. I am feeling the benefits of my month long blogging break and gaining new insights on life…
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Thank you Brigid :-D. How wonderful to hear that & exciting!
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What a wonderful reminder to relax and enjoy this one life we get, rather than just ticking off the boxes.
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Thank you Laurie 😀
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There is definitely A huge deference between the life we are designed for & the life society tries to sell us.
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Absolutely Lloyd…its knowing the difference which brings balance… 😀
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The retreat was was so refreshing for me this early morning. Especially as I woke up very early in pain, so I truly enjoyed spending time reading around your site! #faithonfire linkup
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Lovely having you join me in this time of rest & refreshment April… its a good diversional therapy to come together over a cuppa away from the focus of pain 😉
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Even reading the words RETREAT & RESTORE bring a peace to my soul!
I read something so interesting on IG from Shauna Niequist about how she kept thinking someone else would carve out the time she was craving. Then she realized she needed to do it. (Check out the post — it has a lovely candle for a picture!)
I am learning (key word: learning) to carve out time for my soul personally and for my family.
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Yes Rebecca no one else can carve it out other then us making the time to retreat & allowing Him to restore us 😉
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Great advice! Very easy, especially for working moms, to end up in that mode. 🌸
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Absolutely Mishka & single dads 😉
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You can tell I’m not from your side of the pond…I saw ‘ticking boxes’ and immediately thought of bomb threats! I’ve discovered the fountain of youth–I work with at-risk teenagers as a teacher. That means every day is different (from delightful to disruptive).
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I thought someone may interpret it as clocks Anita but you’re the first to think of a ticking threat.
Yes, adolescents sure do keep you on your toes! 😀
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Lovely post. I need some retreat and restore in my life right now. Thanks for linking up with us at the #GatheringofFriendsLinkParty 7 pinned!
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Thank you Sylvia. Lovely having you drop by 😀
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