Time Out!
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Parents and grandparents know that kids need a ‘time out’ now and again–especially when things seem out of control. Johnny won’t stop teasing Sally or Sally won’t give up chasing the dog or whatever comes about that feels overwhelming.
I remember a time when my son Jimmy, then three years old, tested me to the limit. I sank to my knees and bawled my head off right in front of him. Just them his dad walked into the room and said, “Are you going to let this little pipsqueak steal your power?”
I burst out laughing. Then suddenly Jimmy and his father laughed too and the three of us embraced in a family hug. Offense forgiven. Time for cookies and milk and a fresh start.
When I think of those days now I have to smile all over again. Today my 50+ year-old son and I are the best of friends. But so long ago I wondered if we’d make it to this point.
I was in as much need of a ‘time out’ as he was.
I remember one of my daughters saying something similar about one of her kids. “A ‘time out’ became part of everyday–for her own good,” Erin often said.
It’s fun to laugh about such experiences now but not so much then. As I recall these situations now as a grandmother and great grandmother, I realize that I was as much in need of a respite as my children were and yet even now do I stop and take a ‘time out’ as often as I need one? Probably not.
Today, I read a good reminder in my devotions: “A period of meditation, every day, is necessary to spiritual development.” (One Day at a Time). SO true. And when I take it I am better able to be patient with myself and with others and to trust God for the right words at the right time in the right way whether I am dealing with a three-year-old or a ninety-three-year old. When I am ‘right’ with God I can be ‘right’ with the world and with everyone I encounter.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
Oh dear me…sometimes timeout just wasn’t in cards so to say. I certainly would have been better off in dealing with my three daughters. John was a model father had patience galore.
Today I DO take time out everyday first thing in the morning. Time with my Lord and savior to guide me through the day.
Thank you, Joan. I enjoyed hearing that you too had your frustrations as a mom. It doesn’t change our love just tests our patience sometimes, but God can set us straight with a good time-out with Him.
Thanks for sharing some of your family memories regarding the topic of “time out.” Since my children are all grown and none live with me (thankfully!) my time out (or quiet time) starts in the morning with the LORD, too. Like Joan, being able to set aside distractions and focus on Him – really sets the tone for my day and better prepares me to offer love, grace, mercy and understanding to anyone I encounter.
Thanks, Glenda. Your response is inspiring. I know you stay close to the Lord and I’ve always admired that about you.
I remember my daughter telling her twin daughters it was “time for a time out” but I do not remember those exact words dealing with my two, who were six years apart. However, I keep thinking of something that Tanya would say to her “big brother” , Ken that I KNOW she had heard me say to him. I can still hear her little voice saying to him in a disgusted way, “kenboy, kenboy, change your ‘attude’!” She would say that to him often (big smile) but of course I never knew what he had said or done for her to say those words. It makes me smile to think of it. They were far enough apart in age that they did not “fight” – thank goodness!
Thanks for bringing back some mmemories! We need to take a “time out” for ourselves and I do that each morning as I read from my Daily Guideposts devotional and also the “Upper Room” daily devotinal that is written by people like you and me. A “stable for over 40 years”. That is how long I have read it each morning and the Guideposts almost that long. I need the prayer time of thanksgiving as well as request. A time to “Be still and know that I am God” -one of my favorite Psalms. Have a wonderful week. Love, Margaret
Thank you, Margaret, for sharing this memory and for being a faithful warrior in prayer and meditation through your reading and quiet contemplation each day. I do the same and it has helped my soul to be at rest in God–a good way to start every day.
I needed a time-out yesterday, and got it by talking with the Father while driving. We do need those times to renew, give our requests and needs to God, and then trust Him with each one. Thanks Karen for this good reminder!
Thanks for telling us about your recent time-out experience, Carol. It seems we all need one now and again and God is the perfect one to share it with. 🙂
I love this paragraph, Karen, “Are you going to let this little pipsqueak steal your power?”
I burst out laughing. Then suddenly Jimmy and his father laughed too and the three of us embraced in a family hug. Offense forgiven. Time for cookies and milk and a fresh start.”
What a great reminder—they can’t steal our power, we let them. Time outs work!
love, Heidi
Thanks, Heidi. Glad you enjoyed my ‘take’ on time-outs.