“Peterson is the author of 35 books (all still in print) and translator of the bestselling The Message, the Bible in modern American English.”
What does his life look like now… I won’t repeat the article, but would like to give you some snip-pits:
“We like quiet, we like rhythm.”
“Walking throughout the year, despite the weather, keeps him in touch with the seasons…”
He’s an early riser….makes a pot of coffee…during the week they have
oatmeal.
They eat lunch and take a nap!!!!!
Then they read aloud….(to each other)
Peterson says that living intentionally isn’t just for retired folks…
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What was interesting to my wife and I as I read excerpts of the interview was how many parallels we saw between the Petersons and us. It is just as if we’ve been working out of the same play book.
One of the things that struck the farmer I referred to at the beginning of this post was my attitude about work.
I love my job, when we work, we get a lot done. (no brag- just fact) ;-)
As this young man and I talked…I told him about our music festival, my 100 mile walk planned for this Fall, our Bed and Breakfast, etc. he mentioned he’d lost both his brother and his dad within the past year or so, and you’re a fool if all you do is work.- As he put it:
“Sure you might make a lot of money…but so what…if you can’t enjoy it…”
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Here’s some questions, I would love some interaction on:
What are your thoughts about taking naps?
Is it possible to find a “rhythm” even when you are in the midst of raising children?
What about when you’re battling a major illness?
Is it possible to step out of the rat race without being financially strapped?
May 8, 2008 at 6:18 am |
Interesting, interesting. Naps are good. I can’t really “nap” with the kids, but I’ll lay down and let my mind wander, and that’s often when I think of the perfect turn of phrase or what I ought to do with all the carrots in the fridge, or whatever. My kids really like taking walks so we do that a lot. I think learning to enjoy what you already have is really important, rather than working to get more. My husband and I decided after our kids were born that me being at home was more important than the money I could potentially make working. That wasn’t an easy decision, either. The husband is a factory worker and we only make enough money to “get by”, no new clothes, no fancy toys for the kids or ourselves, we pay cash for old cars, we don’t have credit cards, I make most of the food from scratch, we rarely if ever eat out (unless someone else pays) and we only go to the movies (our favorite pastime) a handful of times a year unless someone else pays.
But is it worth the walks with the kids, the pleasure I get out of a good meal, the quieter pace of life that we can achieve? Absolutely. And once the kids are in school I can work again if I want to. At this point I’m not even sure that I’d want it, though.
May 8, 2008 at 7:34 am |
What are your thoughts about taking naps? I LOVE naps. Because I don’t typically get all the sleep I need during the week, I nap often on the weekends. Even if we don’t sleep, I insist we have “quiet time” at my house on Sunday afternoons after church.
Is it possible to find a “rhythm” even when you are in the midst of raising children? YES, not just possible, but necessary. Not a rigid schedule, but some constants that you and the children can count on. My daughter knows that Wed and Sunday are church, quiet times on weekends, prayers before meals and bed, and other rhythms like that
Is it possible to step out of the rat race without being financially strapped? I think it is possible if you’ve planned ahead. Unfortunately, my 20 year old self was consumed with finishing law school, at any cost, including large loans. I did not forsee a time when I might wish to slow down, work less than 80 hours a week, and have a family. I thought I could “do it all” – I wish I knew then what I know now.
May 8, 2008 at 9:44 am |
Naps are tough for me. Sometimes they seem like signs of failure, of dissociation. Sometimes I can “nap towards Jesus” and thereby have a better sense of direction, purpose, even in napping. Not making it holy or a work or anything, but just facing him.
I feel we have a pretty decent rhythm even with a toddler in the house. I think it’s important to find one, whatever it might be.
In high school English it dawned on me that there is never going to be a time when I’m done with all the tasks and can do what I want — therefore, a) doing my best on a task has to take into account my other priorities and time limits, and b) I have to make ways to do what’s important to me right now, and not keep putting it off for a time that will never come. That said, there are times when you can’t do it all and have to set some things aside.
Likewise, I used to basically put my life on hold whenever a depressive episode hit — thinking I needed to put all my energy into resolving it. I know now that depression is part of my life, and needs to be integrated — I need to live as much as I can during episodes.
May 8, 2008 at 2:05 pm |
Naps … never used to take them until I got sick last October. Now, I pretty much don’t have a choice. I can fall asleep anywhere, including the car while I’m driving. So until my medication is regulated, naps R Me. Rhythm while raising children is possible. I have a sixteen year old boy. God helps me A LOT! Sometimes when the music changes so does the rhythm. It’s all about being adaptable.
May 8, 2008 at 2:21 pm |
What are your thoughts about taking naps?
naps are great with warm fuzzy animals beside you. But i can’t take a nap or I won’t sleep at night.
Is it possible to find a “rhythm” even when you are in the midst of raising children?
sure, it may be a crazy rhythm but its there, and kids need it.
What about when you’re battling a major illness?
Esp. when your battling something, the need of normalcy (sp?)becomes the forefront (but I’m just guessing here, never had a major illness, just some broken bones)
Is it possible to step out of the rat race without being financially strapped?
Sure, plenty of people have done it.
do you think you are in the rat race? what is the ‘rat race’?
May 8, 2008 at 8:39 pm |
I never took naps before I got sick. Now, I have no choice. My body simply wont keep on…
I have been battling a major illness for over 10 years now. Yes, you find your rhythum to it. You find a way to deal with pain. You learn to give that pain to God and you learn to be obedient.
Yes, it is possible to step out of the rat race. You have to have faith, and you have to have a plan. You have to believe in the plan, be willing to work at that plan, and be willing to sacrifice for it. Not many people are willing to do that so they feel its impossible. You’d be amazed how little you could live on if you just live simply.
May 9, 2008 at 6:57 pm |
What are your thoughts about taking naps?
They should be required for a half hour period each afternoon(as in Spain) It would increase productivity by 10 fold after you wake up.
Is it possible to find a “rhythm” even when you are in the midst of raising children?
Yes, God is all about rhythms. Look at the world we live in. The earth has a yearly rhythm in that it has seasons for us to sow and reap; a season for the earth to rest etc.
The months have a rhythms that control the tides.
The weeks have a rhythm in that God wants us to keep Sabbath with him. No distractions.
The days have a rhythm that allow for both plant and animal rest. (naps too)
What about when you’re battling a major illness?
This one is tough in that it can through natural rhythms way off.
Is it possible to step out of the rat race without being financially strapped?
No, unless you’ve “made it” before you step out. i.e. Steve Wozniak.