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Pinterest is filled with it. Blogs thrive on it. DIY and HGTV channels survive on it.
Any ideas what this might be?
Busyness.
We as women beg for busy projects. We surf the internet for activities to make our life easier, make our children smarter, and beautify our home. Something to fill our time and make us feel productive. Something to give us a sense of success. But don’t worry. We are saving so much money in the process making it worth it.
Or is it?
I recently saw an idea on Pinterest to make a calendar/weather/activity center. It was way cute and super educational. Many an adult would have oo’d and ah’d over it. My wheels started turning as I thought how I could create a clone. The crafting juices start flowing. I wanted to push everything to the side and begin now!
As soon as I saw this pin, the Holy Spirit put a stop sign in front of me.
How many times have I found or dreamed up the best idea that was going to teach my kids so much, save us tons of dinero, and make my life above and beyond easier only to find out in a few days that the idea didn’t work as well as I thought, didn’t turn out as “cute” as it was pictured, and didn’t catch on like I hoped. The great idea got stuffed in a closet or thrown away. And I was unable to turn back the clock and regain those hours spent making the project.
In all of the projects that I have created for my kiddos, they could have cared less whether the product was made homemade from paper or purchased from the local school supply store. What my child will care is whether momma spent time with them and “impressed” Jesus on their life.
Friends…please understand that I am not judging any of the ideas on Pinterest. We all need hobbies and crafting outlet. That is not the point of this blog.
What I am cautioning is consumption of “busy things.” Doing to be doing. Busy to be busy. Even good projects can be busyness if it isn’t monitored. And it all equals to time spent away from our kids.
What’s important?
PS. I encourage you to take a moment to read What I Wish I Would Have Known as a Young Mommy.
Heidi, thank you for this post. I don't know how many times I've worked on creating materials only to realize that yes, my children could care less if I made it myself or not. It's a great reminder that there's nothing wrong with crafting for our own creative outlets but to compromise that time we could've spent with them instead does not add up.
And it is ironic when we justify that we are doing it for them and the family when all the while it is them that end up being ignored or even neglected. I think it's very brave of you to touch on this especially nowadays when we're constantly bombarded with ideas that are so enticing and inspiring. But if we are to be honest with ourselves, these things need a good chunk of our time, energy and concentration. If we can include our family with some of these projects, that's awesome. Sadly though, not everything can be multitasked. And at the end of it all, besides that reward of satisfaction that we did it ourselves, we should always ask the question, "Is it all worth it?"
Lynn – I should have asked you to write the article. That was so eloquently put and you captured my thoughts and intent beautifully.