Slow Living or Living to Please God?
Slow living is something I hear about on social media. In a world full of hustle, putting effort into slowing down can be really good for your soul. The problem with social media though, is it makes slow living look the same for everyone. I’m a momma to three children under the age of 7 that home schools, and mostly solo parents. While I don’t live on a farm, I would love to one day. While there isn’t much peace on the outside of my home walls, I’ve put some things in place that allows my little family to be more present with one another. I sat down to write some tips and tricks to help other mommas slow down, and while I do have some, something just wasn’t sitting right.
While reading, specifically 1 Thessalonians, it hit me. As Christians, are we not called to live a more intentional life anyways? One that is not for this world, but one that puts God first. That leaves time for prayer, family, and the attention God deserves? Specifically, Paul is talking to the church of Thessalonians saying, “But we urge you, brothers, do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you. So that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on one another” (1 Thessalonians 4: 10-12 ESV). A lot of the slow living articles DO give great advice on things we should be doing, but I also think if we put God at the center, we can better see the contrast between God’s word and this world.
Read your Bible
My first suggestion would always be to work on your relationship with Jesus. Read your Bible, and ask for guidance on areas you need to slow down. For me, I love waking up to the stillness of morning! Reading my Bible early to set the tone for my day. But in my season of life, that doesn’t always happen. Some days that means I read while the kids are playing. Do I get interrupted, Yes! But do the kids see me reading my Bible and go and grab theirs? Also yes. It’s just important to know God’s word. How can we live a certain way if we don’t know what that way is? Bible studies also help me, because sometimes I need a little direction. I’ve really been enjoying the bible studies from Daily Grace Co! Especially the Gospel-Centered Motherhood!
Peaceful Music and Candles….
When I would watch reels or Day in the in Life’s on Youtube, it all seemed so peaceful…. Then it clicked; it’s the music! We love music in our home, so I tried playing music while the kids played. I learned that I couldn’t do lyrics because I would become overstimulated but jazz music and hymns on the piano soothed us, and we enjoy the sweet tunes while we go about our day. My kids also love figuring out what instrument is being played during the songs!
Candles and simmer pots are also a big deal in our home. Before the kids come down, I already have a candle lit. It sets the tone, I love the smell, and there is something about candle light that makes me feel warm and cozy. I’m also a scent gal, and a smell can instantly trigger a memory. Our favorite brand is Antique candle co. and while I don’t have a code yet…I pray the future smells bight! They smell wonderful, use 100% lead-free cotton wicks, vegan, free of dyes use U.S. grown natural soy wax, and most importantly love the Lord. My favorite is mama’s kitchen. It smells like something is baking all day, and paired with a hot cup of coffee makes for such a peaceful day. We just got their fall sampler, and the kids have enjoyed participating and picking a scent!
Overnight breakfast foods and simple meals….
This one is a favorite because it makes mornings so much easier. I like to put things together the night before like a breakfast bake, French toast casserole, or my favorite overnight sourdough pancakes. To take my pancakes a step further, I actually make them on a sheet pan! No waiting for the weekend to roll around to stand over the stove, and more time to sit down and enjoy breakfast with the kids! Sitting with them allows me to talk with them and read things that may be difficult with all the wiggles. If were not having that, I keep meals simple. My kids love waking up to the aroma of something being cooked downstairs. I like to think of it as their own personal Folgers moment!
*to make sheet pan pancakes, simply take your favorite pancake mix. Pre heat your oven to 425 degrees. Pour your batter on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes. So simple! Oven times may very!
From scratch cooking….
I know cooking from scratch can seem very intimidating, but I promise it can be done. Taking time to make something from intentional ingredients, using your own hands, and maybe even your own garden can really be therapeutic. When I make our sourdough bread it takes me two days. So, I really can’t be in a rush, now can I? Starting with bread and now making most of my kids snacks, cooking from scratch has been a wonderful addition to slowing down and feeling good about what my kids are eating.
Put your phone away….
I know this is a hard one, but I feel so much better when I put my phone away. I’m usually content until I get on social media and think I have to do or buy something. I truly don’t believe we were created to take in that much information at once, and as a solo momma I don’t really have that much time for scrolling. Social media breaks are also a great addition. Every Sunday I try to not get on any social medias at all. Social media can be very loud, and Sundays are for Jesus and rest!
Get rid of stuff…
This may be the best piece of advice I can give to mommas, especially moms that get a bit overstimulated. Less is more! We don’t do a ton of toys, and try to buy intentionally. If I am not using something, good-bye old friend. It was really hard at first, but now I feel so much better with less. My cleaning time goes down, and while the kids do play and leave toys out, I feel cleanup is minimal with everyone’s help!
So, there you have it, a few tips to slow down and live with more intention. Try something out and see if it helps. The season of life you are in will also play a huge role in what you can do. It is totally OK to be inspired, but remember we are all running our own race and can’t run someone else’s. I pray this helped someone. Please comment below and tell me if you tried any of these and what you would add to the list!
Keep growing,
Whit
