The Homemaking Momma posted: " "We can not add time, we can only exercise stewardship over the time we are given." - Albert Mohler The importance of an evening rhythm I believe that just as morning rhythms set the tone for our day, an evening rhythm can also do the very same. E"
"We can not add time, we can only exercise stewardship over the time we are given." - Albert Mohler
The importance of an evening rhythm
I believe that just as morning rhythms set the tone for our day, an evening rhythm can also do the very same. Elisabeth Elliot would mention quite often how her father and mother would wake at the wee hours of the morning for prayer and bible reading. With six kids, a job, and a home to take care of, like most parents the morning was the time that they could find quiet uninterrupted time with the Lord. Elisabeth said in so many words, I'm not sure of the exact quote, when her father was asked how he was able to habitually get up so early each day, his answer was that it all starts with the night before. I've found this to be so true in my life as well. Creating a meaningful and joyful morning starts with how we approach our evening the night before. Are we preparing for the following day? Are we getting our home in order for a new day filled with life and activity? Are we going to bed at a decent hour and getting a good nights sleep? All of these little actions add up to make a big impact in our days.
My Evening Rhythm
Clean up from evening meal - the boys clear the table and help with dishes
Wipe down kitchen counters/surfaces
Sweep floor
Clear and wipe down sink
Spend time together as a family - go for a walk, play card/board games, watch a movie etc
Organize things for the morning, clothing, lists, etc
Tidy up the house
Boys bath and get in jammies, have a snack, brush teeth
Bed time story, cuddles and prayers
I wash my face, brush my teeth, shower if I haven't already that morning
Spend time with hubby
Prayer and Bible reading
Kitchen Clean Up
There are few things in my opinion when it comes to homemaking worse than waking up to a messy kitchen. It honestly just makes my morning sour, for this reason I aim to always tidy the kitchen and have it ready to go, fresh for a new day. If I have dishes that don't fit in the dishwasher before I run it, I do them. I really try to not have any dirty dishes in my sink and I clear all my horizontal surfaces in my kitchen.
Timed Tidy
Each evening before bed we do a quick family timed tidy. Everyone goes around and makes sure things are in their proper homes. This takes about 5-10 minutes tops and again it just helps to prepare our home and day to start off on a good foot without junk cluttering our morning.
Plan Ahead
In the evening I like to take a look at my planner, make my lists for the following day and maybe take something out of the freezer for supper if needed.
Read Aloud and Prayer Time
Probably one of the things I look forward to all day, snuggle time with my boys to read and say our evening prayers. This is something I've always loved doing since they were little bitty babies and it just gets better the older they get. I love that they still enjoy climbing up in my bed and letting me read them a story. It's a joy and blessing to my Mama heart.
Get Ready For Bed
How good does it feel to wash the gunk off your face, brush your hair and put some lotion on your skin after a long busy day? I may add some homeopathic icy hot to my sore neck too, such is life as you age, I guess, haha. This is such a refreshing way to end my day and it always feels good to climb into the crisp sheets of a made bed. I usually like to spend some time reading my bible, praying and also reading a book for enjoyment. This helps calm me down and rest my mind and heart. I'll add this, I also leave my phone out of my room to charge for the night. I just don't love sleeping with it next to me and prefer it in another room turned off. I also turn my wifi off in our house each night. I won't go into details, but research I've done has shown it's a good practice to do.
Well dear ones, that about covers my nightly routine. Remember our rhythms don't have to look the same, but my hope is that what I've shared will encourage you to create your own evening rhythm for yourself and your family.
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