As busy wives and mothers, we are constantly in a state of hurrying, rushing, and working hard to serve our children and fathers. The day-in-and day-out work that is necessary for running a household smoothly often wears on my mind and body. What am I to do when this happens?

I once read a chapter in Karen Andreola’s homeschooling book The Charlotte Mason Companion titled “Mother Culture.” Essentially, the concept is that mother needs to play, too! If we take a small amount of time to engage our minds with interesting things we like to do for leisure, enjoyment, edification, or physical health, we can be renewed and energized for the tedious work of raising a family and running a home. (These things, of course, are in addition to our necessary diligence in reading our Bibles, meditating on God’s word, and spending time in worship.) In our homeschool, I strive to find curriculum that is engaging and interesting to my children’s young minds. Well, I find that I need to engage my “young” mind as well! There are a few go-to things on my list that I like to do that I can always count on to bring enjoyment and leisure to busy times. My list won’t necessarily look like yours! Here’s what I’ve been up to lately:

1) Reading. I love to read. When I first had children, my Dad told me “Don’t be surprised if you find you can barely find the time to read a magazine!” I am slowly working my way through the classics I’ve never read, and I’m trying to read all the Wall Street Journal magazines my husband brings home from work. Yesterday I finished this popular series.

2) Sewing. I’m not a great sewer, but I found several skirts and dresses at the thrift store that I’ve been able to alter and refashion. I find that easier than sewing from scratch. I finally made a jean skirt from an old pair of jeans. I’ve made my daughters some easy elastic waist skirts as well.

3) Cooking. I’ve actually tried a few new recipes I’ve found on the internet. The latest was this whoopie pie dessert….it was so good!

4) Knitting/Crochet. It’s on my list of things to do next. I can’t knit at all, but I can crochet. I found a ball of yarn in my stash that would be perfect for a scarf, and I found the instructions for “finger knitting.” I call it knitting for dummies! I’ll be trying this soon.

5) Listening to music. I’ve just discovered Pandora radio. (I’m late, I know!) I love making my own music channels and having it play in the background while I’m cooking, cleaning, or grading papers.

6) Exercise. A brisk walk on a beautiful spring morning does wonders for the body and soul!

Even if you are not a wife and mother, there is still a place for the feminine and domestic arts, and for taking the time to learn something crafty or fun. There is an over-abundance of ideas on the internet for new things to try! Even if it’s trying just one new recipe, you never, know, it may be your family’s new favorite!

I believe that God has given us this rich life to enjoy. Although it is often full of sorrow, He gives abundant joy as well. Take some time today to try something new and pleasurable to refresh your mind, and when you do, thank God for it. They are small gifts from our Heavenly Father who makes everything beautiful in its own time.