Sixteen solutions to spending time alone with God

Sixteen solutions to spending time alone with God
(and still getting dinner on the table) *

These suggestions may not be a perfect fit, but see if they spark another thought that will help you work within your own limitations.

· Hire a sitter. Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to hire someone just so you can have solitude.

· Swap babysitting with a friend once a week.

· Order pizza and ask the family to eat without you one night (be sure to hand them paper plates).

· Put in a good video to occupy the kids and leave the dishes. Once a week won’t warp your kids or summon the health department.

· Pack a sandwich, block off a lunch hour at work and lock the door to your office, if you have one. A “Do not disturb” sign should make things clear. Better yet, take off.

· Use your time on an exercise bike or treadmill at home or at the gym, or run/walk outside for more freedom of expression. (Careful, or someone might phone for medical help, thinking you’ve fainted or slipped into a state of delirium!)

· Say no to the next thing that threatens to steal an hour of your week—even if it’s a very good thing.

· Take a long bath and instead of letting your mind wander from loofah sponges to grout repair, choose to experience God.

· Establish a “quiet hour” in the house. Everyone to their rooms with only books and soft music. You, too. Instead of scrambling to do housework or reading a novel for personal rejuvenation, use this hour once a week for God-centered solitude.

· Turn off the TV.

· Seriously consider a life-overhaul. Maybe this is a time to lob off many responsibilities and pare down to the bare minimum. You’ll have time for solitude, and out of that regular time with God, you may have all kinds of life revelations.

· Request a vacation day and dedicate it to a time of extended solitude. If you work from home, ask your spouse to request one. Ask him to take over while you take off.

· If all else fails, grab solitude on the run, while waiting in the car to pick up a child, or standing in line at the supermarket. Just a few seconds connecting with the Lord is better than nothing at all, and I believe He makes the most of it for us, pleased that we connect with Him.

· If your small children need monitored naptimes, lie down on their bedroom floor and if they are quiet enough, direct your thoughts to God.

· Okay, maybe it’s obvious, but: Wake up an hour earlier, or stay up an hour later.

· Continue asking God for ideas. He is a limitless problem-solver and the Creative Genius. Don’t underestimate His vested interest in helping you find time to be with Him.

* (This was originally published in my book The Contemplative Mom, out of print and only available used)