Originally, I was going to write about making time for the important things. I was thinking about big things: faith practices and studying and specific family time.
As I reflected on everything, however, I started realizing how big of an impact making time for the little things can have.
Yes, making time for faith, studying, and family are all vastly important. It’s how we keep our spirit, mind, and emotions positive on a daily basis, no matter what’s going on.
But those big things aren’t the only things that matter.
Once this semester started, I got overwhelmed with the amount of homework and couldn’t read for fun anymore. I’ve been trying to force myself to stay focused on faith and studying, while reaching out to family when possible.
If you know me, you know that reading is how I unwind and bring my mind to a place of calm.
Last Tuesday, a friend asked me to hang out. She had already met someone else for coffee, so she asked if I’d be interested in meeting her at the Boston Public Library. (If you’ve never been there, I highly recommend it!) I, of course, excitedly said yes.
I hadn’t searched through their fiction section before, just went up to the mezzanine to do homework out of the apartment.
As we searched through the shelves, I felt drawn to a few books. One just happened to be a Christian romance, which I thought was neat. I hadn’t been specifically looking for that, but it sounded interesting! A few shelves later, I felt drawn to yet another book that falls into the Christian genre!
I wasn’t specifically looking for these books, but I started getting excited about reading again. And now I have a deadline of October 5 to get these books read, so I guess I’ll be making time to read, even with everything else going on!
So why did I tell that story?
I think that when we stop doing the little things, the things that bring us joy and a little peace in the middle of madness, our bodies and minds have a way of bringing us back what we need.
For me, it was books. For others, it’s a walk in the park.
Now, let me be clear: it won’t be anything that will harm you. It won’t be something that will mess with your mind.
Life can become overwhelming. We need to make time for the big things. But we also need to make time for the small things. We need to make sure that we’re not focusing solely on climbing the ladder or graduating with a 4.0 GPA or any one thing. It may seem important in the moment, but if it’s not furthering our spirit, mind, or body, is it important in the long run?
Focusing on any of those things to the exclusion of all others can become unhealthy. We need to find balance and structure in our lives.
Stop and smell the roses. Read the chapter. Cuddle with your kids or pet. Tell your family and friends that you love them. Be present. Be you. Find time. Make time.
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Brittany Stonestreet 