The Break

My sister, Sharon, Me and our children


When I stopped my world stopped, at least the one that I had created in my busyness. No longer did I have to rise early and go to bed late to get it all done. My husband didn’t have to long for late-night dates nor did my children have to wait to play because “Mom, you’re always at your computer.” When my world stopped, I got out and the scenes changed immediately. I was now in those missing spaces and could see a lot better.

Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.—Leonardo da Vinci, (1452-1519) Italian painter, sculptor and architect

My rest helped me reassess what needed to change so that I can renovate then rest on my perspective in three major areas: on God’s power; on my family’s purpose; and on my personal preferences. In short, I must have what I call the L perspective: Remembering that God gave me my family (a vertical extension), and they give me what God wants for me (a horizontal extension). If you sketch this reality, the vertical extension connected to the horizontal extension makes the letter L, thus the L perspective.

Though I knew some of this intellectually, my attitude displayed that the knowledge lived in my head, occasionally visiting my heart. I believe Jesus when He said that He came to earth that I might have life in Him, and not just any old life but one that is richly full (John 10:10). Yeah, that’s what I want and now have a better mind map to get me there. I pray that my revelations will inspire you to seek your own so you, too, will live the life Jesus Christ died for you to have, creating the same home in your head and in your heart.

Copyright 2010 by Rhonda J. Smith

Time Off

Break (Noun)—1) something that interrupts the pattern of a thing, causing it to come to a complete halt; 2) a change in direction; 3) a period off from activity; and 4) a vacation, among several other definitions.

“Unplug from the matrix,” my husband, Flynn, tells me when I haven’t eaten, forgot to take my vitamins or no longer hear children crying for my attention. My computer and cell phone distract me, are my constant news networks, social sources, fund suppliers, the way I can be a writer for hire in the comfort of my home and on the run. But with a husband, three children, five disciples, several mentors and increased ministry and writing opportunities, my home became more hectic and my runs more of a hassle. In the midst of this June fray I know that Flynn’s daily matrix comments led to this “suggestion” that I take a break from blogging in July. As you know, I sort of took a break, like the one in number two above, but not like numbers one and three like my hubby would have liked. But even with reposting blogs and writing new introductions (and one new blog, I just couldn’t help myself), that was a pivotal break. First and foremost I learned that I did need a break. I’ll share with you next time the list of insights I got while on my break.

Until then, take it easy if you can’t take a break.

Copyright 2010 by Rhonda J. Smith

The Good Wife

Today I heard contrasting stories about wives. One husband said he would give his wife anything, eternally grateful for how she encouraged him through medical school and his practice. The other was ungrateful for his wife’s contributions, blaming her for most of their struggles. Both views made me think of the following post, originally published September 23, 2009 under the title Momma Wife? This challenges wives to be biblical regardless of how their husbands treat them. Yes, this is a hard word, but one we as wives who call ourselves Christians must embrace so that God is the only one who receives glory. Continue reading