The Gap

1. A break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.

2. a missing part; gap

3. any gap or opening

I recently returned from a six day hiatus from my life as mom, wife, taxi driver, chef, volunteer and more. I was in San Antonio, Texas for an American Mothers national board meeting for a few days, which I then extended to Dallas to visit a friend for a few more days.

Six days away for a mom is a lot ~ in terms of time, and also in terms of what we do on the front end to prepare. We arrange rides, supervision, schedules, meals and more. Then there are the things we miss; games, tournaments, weekend family time. But there is also the substance (and sustenance) we gain ~ quiet, time and space for thoughts to move about more freely, to linger longer, to unwind to depths we might not have reached otherwise.

I needed a break in the continuity of my work as a mom. I needed to create a gap. I needed an opening. And the truth is, I didn't even know it.

Don't we all need that gap - regardless of our vocation? I would not have scheduled this time away. I needed a reason. The purpose of the post today is to encourage you to find a reason for a hiatus. To be creative when looking for a reason and location. If your break comes within the walls of a friend's home, be bold when planning and let your friend know your purpose so that you build in quiet time. I had the luxury of a hotel room for a few of my days (and some great private space at my friend's), but this may not always be the case.

Time away allows us to move from thinking about how to accomplish the urgent in our day to planning for how to accomplish the important in our lives. Take a breath, look at your calendar, plan ahead...way ahead if you need to, and create a gap.