Scriptures. I do my best to read them every day.
But often there’s… interference. Some days I’m amazed at how HARD it can be to read one verse. And reading is only half of it—I want to comprehend what I read too.
So what “counts” as scripture reading? What do you have to do to be able to check it off the list and say “I read my scriptures today?” Ideally I would like a minimum of 15 uninterrupted minutes every morning to pray, read, and reflect. That is what I’ve always tried to do. It has become more of a challenge since I had kids—I have to defend my baby, myself, my scriptures, and sometimes even Jay, from physical harm. Reading and pondering while doing all that defense just doesn’t work well.
These pictures are semi-staged, but it was all too easy to recreate the craziness that is Shaina’s scripture time.
It’s amazing how hard it can be to find 15 minutes of quiet time, and I only have 2 kids! Usually, Jay tackles Rose and she starts crying and when I pick her up, Jay decides to climb up with us. He likes to sit on my shoulder and then try to get up onto the back of the chair.
So what’s a mommy to do? Should I…
..ignore my kids to read my scriptures? (that seems backwards)
…play with them while trying to read? (too distracting)
…make the effort to read, and if it doesn’t work try again tomorrow? (the effort is what counts, right? The Lord looks on the heart—he knows our intentions and desires)
…try reading at different times each day, to catch a quiet quarter-hour? (I prefer doing it at the same time so I don’t forget, plus I like to start the day with scripture-time)
I’ve tried all of these things so far, and none have worked. I have branched out my brainstorming. Some new, untried ideas are:
-Figure out a way to water-proof scriptures (laminate?) so I can read them in the shower—one of the places I am less likely to be interrupted. (but I like that relaxing 6-8 minutes the way it is! and I don’t take 15 minute showers. usually.)
--Invest in some quality ear plugs. (but that falls under the “ignore children to read scriptures” undesirable category)
--Get up extra early so I can run and read scriptures before the children awake. (but I need sleep too!)
--Write some verses on a small notecard and carry it on my daily run. (umm, you saw my knees—I can barely breathe and run at the same time. next idea.)
I had one last-hope idea yesterday that has been the most successful one yet, pending Rose’s mood. I told Jay to be very quiet and get a book to read while I read the scriptures—“we’ll read together!” He liked that.
Jay actually sat quietly on the couch for 20 minutes and looked at a book while Rose played undisturbed on the floor and I read my scriptures. It happened again today too.
We may be onto something!
I hope so.
4 comments:
I read before bed, but I agree that it's nice to start the day with the scriptures. I promise it won't always be hard to get some peace and quiet. When I need some time to myself, I get it while Baleigh is down for her nap and the girls are at school, or if the girls are home, I set up a craft/activity for them that they can do without my help. I also have to admit that I sometimes use TV to get some quiet for myself. Not the ideal solution, but sometimes a good half hour of Strawberry Shortcake helps me keep my sanity.
I had this same internal dialogue just this morning and four little fingers were pulling on my fragile pages. For me the only way to get quality study time is to set my alarm 15 mins before the boys get up (but I don't run...). I, too, if I don't have a set time just push it off and it doesn't get done.
You may want to have a two-pronged goal: You could download the scriptures in MP3 format for your runs, or get them on CD to listen to during the day, and then read the same section later on. This might allow you to "ponder" during the craziness of the day, but still allow you the personal moment of reading the scriptures as well.
I've ran into this problem several times. I've finally came to a solution that either getting up before the kids or when the kids go to bed is the best time to do it! What Ashleigh said is too funny, cause I've also found myself putting them in front of the TV to get a little time for myself. At least their learning channel's right?!
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