This weekend was full. It was tiresome. It was busy. It also consisted of a sick husband and toddler much of Saturday and Sunday. I ran around to the various commitments we had on Saturday–while they snuggled and rested at home.
I don’t want to be sick, but I’m a little bit jealous.
On Saturday I had the privilege of hearing a dear friend speak to a gathering of mothers–she did such an incredible job. I was challenged and encouraged by her words. She challenged us to look at the “should haves” and “should be doings” in our lives. Not as an excuse to forego difficult commitments or seasons, but as a reminder that we are not measured by these things.
I’ve written rambled about the shift I still struggle with–so many shoulds I pile upon myself.
…from the corporate world to a cute, little boss who doesn’t even use complete sentences yet.
…from my assumptions about what every person is thinking of me as my child screams in Target, not getting her way.
…from the clutter I wish would go away, the floor that should always be cleaner.
…from the fear that is paralyzing as I realize time and again how far I have to go to be the wife and mother I dream of being.
I could go on.
I know these things won’t just go away, and science has to come a long way before I can snap my fingers and my robotic house cleans itself. But I also know that my God isn’t one of shame. He isn’t one of guilt and should haves and missed chances.
He is one of new mornings, new hours, new minutes–new beginnings as often as you need them.
This girl needs them often–including today.
xo.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
love this, Kacia. He’s paid too high a price for us to measure ourselves by what we’re not, by what we don’t accomplish. i’m praying grace over you this morning!
I am so thankful and grateful for your beautiful heart and your prayers, Annie!!
When can I hug you again!?!?!?
Thank you for this, Kacia. I was at a marriage retreat with my husband and this was one thing that I heard God telling me over and over. I get so wrapped up in “getting things done” that I beat myself up over it if it isn’t accomplished (it also annoys my hubby!). We talked a lot about the difference between guilt and shame and the leaders reminded us that God has grace over us, so why can’t we give ourselves a little grace if we aren’t the “perfect housewife”. God loves us whether we do the dishes everyday or not! :) Have a blessed Monday!
AMEN!!! It’s so freeing – yet it’s not an excuse, the work has to be done, yes…but it’s the P word– priorities!!
xoxox!
One of my favorite songs right now is All To Us (by Chris Tomlin). Especially the line: May the saving love of Christ be the measure of our lives. I find myself constantly needing the reminder that I want to measure my life by the clothes I wear, how obedient my children are, how neatly organized my home is, what I eat, who I talk to, where I go……and I am learning more and more that ALL of these things are secondary. The hard part, is that the saving love of Christ DOES affect these areas. I just have to remember to go to HIM first. Love HIM first (and ONLY)! And the other things fall into place much more easily.
It all starts with making sure Jesus is EVERYTHING….the ONLY thing I am truly holding on to! : )
Precious cornerstone, sure foundation
You are faithful to the end
We are waiting, on You, Jesus
We believe You’re all to us
Let the glory of Your name be the passion of the Church
Let the righteousness of God be a holy flame that burns
Let the saving love of Christ be the measure of our lives
We believe You’re all to us
Only Son of God sent from Heaven
Hope and mercy at the cross
You are everything, You’re the Promise
Jesus, You are all to us
You’re all to us
You’re all to us
You’re all to us
Yes, You are
When this passing world is over
We will see You face to face
And forever we will worship
Jesus, You are all to us
Lyrics from eLyrics.net
So thankful for you, Dani – ummmmm I need to call you. have something to tell you!
CALL ME!!! Or maybe I’ll call you : ) Haha!
My goodness we all struggle with this don’t we? As a new wife and full-time student, I’m always second guessing my priorities. I’m feeling guilty when I study because I’m not keeping up with the house, then feeling guilty when I’m cooking dinner because I’m not working on that essay.
Thankfully! Christ is the author of peace and rest. He gives us the strength and wisdom we need without us doing anything to earn it.
You’re doing a fantastic job! Rest in him.
YES!! It’s the perseverance and marathon approach…we can’t form new habits overnight- and change doesn’t *typically* happen quickly!
Praying over you this day, Lindsey!
Okay, first, can Harlow spell her name out with the blocks? That is awesome!
Second, I think I am gonna need you on speed dial as I adjust from the corporate world to motherhood. I know I am already a mom, but being at home with two is bound to be a rude awakening for OCD, resistant to change, anxious about timeliness me.
And this comment was originally intended to encourage you, so here it is. You have friends like Jenna and Sarah on speed dial for their cooking skills. But certainly there are many women in your life who have you on speed dial for the gifts God has given you. Especially your gift of biblical encouragement. We all have things to offer our community, if there weren’t areas in which we needed to rely on Christ’s church, then we would never lean on God either. I am rambling. But basically, struggling with things is at its essence the way we were designed, to be in community.
Haha – she pretends spells her name. She can do a few letters, but she definitely can’t do it all on her own. {no super kid here, promise!! hahaaha}
And um. Thanks for making me cry. :) seriously. YOU encourage me in a way you don’t understand – and YES! I am here for you WHENEVER you need me!!!!
her little head scarf is adorable!
:) Funny story – well, not really fun, and probably not even worthy of being called a “story” – but my mom bought it for her when she was about 2 days old, thinking it would fit soon…and well? it just NOW fits her! Oh well!! :)
Kacia, praying for fresh beginnings each day for you this week!
Thank you, Margaret!!
I am so impressed with her stacking abilities! Hahaha. She isn’t playing around. And I love this today. It is so so easy to measure ourselves on what we aren’t doing and what we aren’t able to get done–but that isn’t how He wants it and it isn’t how He sees us. Thank you so much for the reminder. :)
xooxxo!! You are such an encouragement to me!!