My first job was in the insurance industry. I worked in the Worker’s Compensation department, investigating claims for people who were injured on the job. I enjoyed my work. I felt like I was providing a good service to people who found themselves in difficult situations.
My commute to work was about fifty minutes each way. I enjoyed being out on the highways with all the other workerbees. I especially enjoyed the ride home, because it allowed me the time I needed to transition from work to home.
I used that time to hash out any problems I had, go over claims that were still unsettled and work out solutions. By the time I arrived at my front door I was ready to put the work day behind me and relax into the evening.
When I left my job to raise my kids, I learned quickly that there is no such thing as transition time. Days and nights blended together as one 24-hour blur of feedings, diaper changes, play-times. There was no such thing as bedtime. It was more like grab a few hours of shuteye whenever possible.
As the kids got older, my days continued to be one endless cycle. And even now, with college-age kids, their friends come and go at all hours, they make snacks for themselves (and when I say snacks, I’m not talking about cookies and milk, I mean pasta, sandwiches, meatball grinders) at 2 AM. My house is a constant state of activity. I live in a 7-11.
This kind of lifestyle goes against our nature. When God created the Earth, right off the bat he separated the light from the darkness. Calling the light day, and the dark evening. They are two separate and distinct times in that 24 hour period and should be treated as such. Hence, the need for transition time, or cocktail hour. But having sworn off that for a year, my new transition time is now my quiet time or as I like to call it, my commute. And I started last night.
Much like during my working days, I was able to clear my mind of the issues of the day, to listen for God’s voice and relax into the evening. Twenty minutes of piece and quiet to recharge was all I needed. And while I didn’t actually hear from God, I am sure that He was aware of my effort and saw that it was good.
I couldn't help but laugh when I read that your house is like a 7/11. I totally understand that feeling, now that I have my young adult children living here and their friends coming to hang out.
ReplyDeleteI totally get you on needing this transition time...my drive to work is 35 minutes and believe me I love every minute of it. Since I only get to work two days a week I thoroughly enjoy these drives...lol. You are so right, when you are home all day long, the hours melt into one another. I have my routine and try to specifically carve out certain times for quiet times. When I have too much chaos, I start to feel like I am going to lose it. I can see cocktail hour being a transition time...having a quiet time during this time instead is wise on your part.
Hope your Tuesday is terrific! XX
Lori, you're so kind to take the time to comment so frequently. I hope your Tuesday is terrific as well. I've been spending this snow day looking at some of the other blogs you follow. Its fun to see everyone's creativity. I think I have to spice up my blog a bit!
ReplyDeleteour kids are out of the house and every now and then...for little smidgens of time, i miss the chaos.....just a tiny bit.
ReplyDeletethe crumbs, the dirty spoons, the milk left in a glass for 3 days....ick......the noise, the laughter, the extra cars in the driveway....
but i do love the new "two of us".....lots.
and sunday dinners with the whole gang.....
Hi Beth! I appreciate your comment... I hope I didn't sound like I was complaining. I do love the chaos. Time goes so fast, I know this won't last forever! I hope to enter the next phase of life with grace and style.
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