Yesterday the Bishop's wives in the stake came over for lunch. So as to ensure that everyone got a chance to talk, there was a printed piece of paper in front of each plate with a list of assorted questions and everyone had to pick one question to answer. One of the questions was, "What is one of your favorite hobbies?" One sister said that she had recently taken up quilting and that she was really enjoying it. "But", she added, "sometimes when I am quilting I feel guilty that I am not doing something else, like family history." This comment was met with an animated response from the other ladies. One sister said that it was important for a woman to "fill her bucket" so that she could continue to fill the buckets of others. One sister reminded us of President Uchtdorf's talk about the importance of creativity. Another sister added that when she takes time for herself that she is a happier person, and thus a better spouse. More comments followed and everyone was united in the opinion that every woman needs a little time to do something that she loves to do.
I can relate with the sister that said she feels guilt when doing something for herself. That has happened to me before. Sometimes when I sit down to read or play the piano or sew, I set a time limit so as not to be there for long. Why? Because duty is so ingrained? Because I am so used to being on call for people that doing something for me feels almost foreign or selfish? I do not know, but part of me likes the fact that relaxing is hard. I agree that when women take care of themselves, whether that means exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, showering, reading scriptures, being creative, gardening, playing an instrument, or whatever it is that makes them happy, that they are then better able to serve in the kingdom and serve members of their family. Of course, it is something that has to be balanced correctly--one can take it too far the other way and become self-indulged.
Hobbies make life interesting and provide variety. Yesterday I learned that one sister is good at braiding hair, another makes dolls, another teaches classes on electricity, another likes step/dance aerobics, another takes walks with her dog. One sister paints, one sister made nativity costumes for her grandchildren, and one sister wants to learn to play the piano better. I love the variety and I love that besides supporting their husbands, and mothering their children and grandchildren, that these women have interests of their own.
(I am talking to myself here because it is hard for me to leave "the routine" each day.)
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