The 5 Priorities Do Matter

Dear Holly and Others,
This morning I was trying to write out a schedule for us and I am feeling overwhelmed. I have written out many schedules, and we do have a basic plan, and I try not to be too nitpicky -- focusing on routines more than detailed time slots. But, as I was doing it, I just began to feel irritated. So, I thought I would write this letter and ask for advice and wisdom.

My husband works odd hours and odd days.The only days that are the same in our household during the week are T,W, and F. Plus, with him home most mornings, it is hard to do schoolwork (we homeschool). Furthermore, I just feel like there is so much to do -- housework, yardwork, gardening (we have over 3 acres to tend to), schooling, let alone the important stuff like prayers, confession, adoration, mass, spiritual direction.

I think what I am trying to communicate is that first, I feel like I have too much to do and not enough time (like a budget: too many needs and not enough funds), and second, because of my husband's schedule, it is hard to have a regular schedule at home -- I want to be available to him while he is here, and we wait on him for morning prayers (I confess -- I have to remind myself to be thankful that I have a husband who is striving to live for Christ and wants to lead us in prayers) and, well, it is just harder to get things done while he is here because I want to be here for him. I really like to do as much schoolwork before lunch -- at 11 so we can have a family lunch with my husband, because it is just so hard to get it done after lunch. But, a thought occurred to me today: my two older children stay up later than the others and they could do some of their "individual" work after the littler ones are in bed.

So, I wanted to put this out to see if there is anyone who could offer some tips -- perhaps someone else can look at it and see a possibility I have not seen. Perhaps someone could offer advice on how to get the things done.To be honest, most days I feel like there is just too much to do to get the house clean and tidy, along with yard work and prayers and just general living, and therefore not enough time to do schoolwork.

Labels: About a Rule of Life

posted by Holly at 11:54 AM 4 comments