I am setting limits for myself.
I am asking myself if all of the activity is necessary.
I am stopping myself from participating.
I am guarding my relationships.
I am searching for the simple way.
I am putting up roadblocks.
On any given day after preschool, my four year old will ask me to drive over to "the dead end". It's a quick drive and it provides him with a little thrill, especially when I drive like I don't know it's there and then stop suddenly as if I am surprised. He loves this little game.
During the last few visits we have talked about figuring out how to get to the other side. The road ends but it backs right up to another road and another neighborhood. We want to explore and end up on the other side. We haven't done it yet but I am sure we will.
Last week when we made the short trek to the dead end I began to wonder the purpose of the road block. The road ends and a few feet later it begins again. In between, there is a large roadblock.
I usually think that roadblocks are negative. They stop progress.
But what if a roadblock is intended for good?
One neighborhood may have petitioned not to be connected to another neighborhood. The city could have decided it didn't want a road that would allow traffic to flow through the residential area.
I have decided roadblocks can be helpful- even good. I am considering where I need to construct roadblocks in my life.
I'd like to construct a roadblock for my tendency to over commit. Right now I am at my limit for activities. In truth, I think I am doing too much. I wish there had been a roadblock when I had reached my load limit.
There are other areas where I am sensing a need for roadblocks. I want to spend less and consume less -so I can give more. I need a wall to stop my extra spending and my indulgent appetite. And, even though I have fantastic friends, I want to set a limit on how much time I devote to relationships. I have to dedicate adequate time to myself and my family first. I need a roadblock to appear and block my way when I am not walking passionately in faith, spending time in prayer and reading scriptures. I need a train traffic stop roadblock for that area of my life.
I am not sure if I am burdened this way because this season often highlights consumerism and tempts me with longings to have more than I have. It may be because I have so many activities this month and a full to do list. I don't know the reason. I just know that I need more roadblocks.
So, I am focusing on:
- putting up walls.
- setting limits for myself.
- asking myself if all of the activity is necessary.
- stopping myself from participating.
- guarding my relationships.
- searching for the simple way.
- putting up roadblocks.
11 comments:
It's the town. Our town is just weird.
My 4 year old begs me to take him over this little bridge near our house. I thought I was the only one who had to do those little games! : )
it's amazing how we over book our lives sometimes...you are so ahead of the game because you recognize a need for some roadblocks...not stopping usually causes a crash or a meltdown somewhere along the way....so slow down, enjoy the ride and stop when that roadblock tells you to!!! Merry Christmas Jane Anne...you are a special young woman with an adorable family...thanks for sharing some of your life with us ...you have a gift with words and I sure enjoy reading them! Patti B. a.k.a. Honey
I completely understand where you are coming from. Our lives can get so busy and so overwhelming from all the things we try to do. I purposely spend extra time at home in the month of December with my kids and it helps so much with all the craziness that is going on.
Good for you! It's important to set boundaries in our lives and realize what we can and cannot do. I've heard it said that we get so busy with the urgent that we never make time for the important. I want to make time for the important.
Praying blessings for your roadblocks. Hope you are having a great week!
This time of year especially. The thoughts you share are always so practical. I needed this today. Busy...for sure.
I could definitely use a few more self-imposed roadblocks!
But what I'm really thankful for hearing in your words tonight is the reminder that, as hard as it is not to take it personally, sometimes when it feels like people are putting up walls to keep us out, they are actually working on finding their limits and boundaries and re-balancing their own lives. The road you've been driving down may someday end up connecting the two neighborhoods, but in the meantime crashing through the roadblock is not the best way to get from one area to the other.
I love how you always bring real life things into a spiritual analogy.
I too crave roadblocks for many of the same things.
Thanks.
Great insight! I too have been thinking a lot lately about how necessary and good boundaries are. Some think they are put up to keep people and things out. And I suppose some are. But good boundaries are put into place in order to keep us healthy so we can actually serve, love, and minister better, as whole and healthy people.
Also got a kick out yours and your son's little game. Sounds like something I would have done with my children when they were younger. What fun!
Kay
Great post, and I really like the photo of the railroad crossing--it drives home the idea of healthy, good roadblocks that keep us safe (keep us from being run over).
Thanks for walking us through your thought- and decision-making process, inspiring us to ponder the same.
I think road blocks can be good also...but it can be good as well when they are taken down. You only have to do what's best for you :)
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