To all the moms out there...
I've been thinking a lot recently about how inadequate I feel. My home is constantly a mess--no, a DISASTER. Dirty dishes, junk on the counters, toys EVERYWHERE, piles of laundry to wash and fold...the list goes on and on. You all know! And yet, so many of the women in my life have come to me lately praising me for how industrious I am-how they wish they could accomplish half the things I post on Facebook. Do you know how that makes me feel?
At first, the glow and warmth of their praise runs through me and my first thought is "oh, it's nothing! I don't think I really do that much...etc." and then I've really had to think about my response. Do I really feel like it's nothing? Do I really feel like I don't do that much? NO! I feel overwhelmed. I feel like I'm constantly running, but I'm not really doing all the things that needs to get accomplished! Why do I feel so INADEQUATE? And, am I doing all these things and posting on Facebook just to get recognition, praise, compliments? Well, I have to be honest and say, yes. I am a people-pleaser. I love it when people notice the things I do. However, I love my family even more. I love doing the little things for them like making a delicious dinner, or dessert-making sure that they eat healthy foods. I love it when my home is clean and I feel organized--those are the things that motivate me most. On the flip side, I've been telling my friends that as long as you have a happy home, clean, fed and healthy children...they are doing all the right things! Who cares about a messy house?! But here's the thing. When it's all about what I can do, what I need to accomplish, what I should be doing--do you see the trend? All the "I's?"
So...
Friends-here's the conclusion I've come to. The most important thing in life is to love God-to follow Christ. Second, is to love your family. Do what it needs to take care of your family-to be the support your husband needs, feed and nurture your children and give them a safe, clean, loving home. Third, love your neighbors. Love on them by praying for them, love on them by listening, by gifting them with whatever gifts and strengths God gave you--pass it on to them. Everything else can fall to the wayside! Those are easy things to say, I know! But, if you live by those three things...wow! I know I feel much more blessed--IT'S NOT ABOUT ME anymore!
I want to share with you the lyrics of a song that has really changed my heart.
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!
Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
None of the things I do can ever compare to what Christ did for me. And, ladies--each one of you have special strengths and gifts that God has given you. I get to do a lot of the things I do because I am blessed to be able to stay home. Some of you work outside the home--not only because you want to, but it could be because you NEED to. There is a lot of love and sacrifice there and it's not to be taken lightly! That is HARD work! Bless you for doing what needs to be done to help provide for your family!
There you have it! I have a lot more thoughts running through my brain, but I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone! Keep up the good work and do not falter in your path! We all have our race to run and remember, we can do ALL THINGS in Christ! Those words should not be taken lightly, but taken to HEART and be encouraged!
