There is an age old saying that you cannot please everyone...and yet we will run ourselves into the ground trying to do so. I think this is especially true of moms. As a mother who works outside the home, I feel so much pressure to please my family as well as those I work with and for. It can become exhausting. You add that to many nights of restless or no sleep because of little ones and you will end up with one rundown woman.
Galatians 1:10 is an excellent reminder for those of us that feel the need to please everyone. It reiterates the truth that, while we may think it, we don't keep the world turning. We were made to serve God first and foremost and if we are exhausting ourselves trying to please everyone by doing everything then we are not living our true calling. If we are so wiped out that we cannot offer our best to God then we are doing too much.
Trust me. I will be the first to admit that this scripture steps on my toes a bit. I know I am chosen to be a mom, a wife, a teacher, a friend, etc. The key is finding balance and that may mean saying "no". You may have to say "no" to yet another bake sale, committee position or weekend sleepover. We have to learn how to prioritize in a way that is best serving God.
Let me be clear. This does not mean we stop doing for others. We are indeed supposed to care for and meet the needs of others. However, it has to be done in a way that we are not over extending ourselves. In a world that constantly tells you you're not good enough if you are not a part of or completing 1000 things at once, this idea can seem unrealistic. We live in a society that encourages the constant hustle and bustle, not rest. Have you ever felt like you were a mediocre mom because you didn't have weekends filled with fun family activities or were not part of the PTO? Take heart. He promises to provide wisdom and offers rest if we ask for and seek it. I believe that includes the wisdom we need to balance our lives. I challenge you to put aside preconceived ideas about how your calendar should look and the people you think you should be pleasing and seek God first. I'm certain you'll find your load a little easier to bear and your heart a little lighter.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, and who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
James 1:5
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Let me be clear. This does not mean we stop doing for others. We are indeed supposed to care for and meet the needs of others. However, it has to be done in a way that we are not over extending ourselves. In a world that constantly tells you you're not good enough if you are not a part of or completing 1000 things at once, this idea can seem unrealistic. We live in a society that encourages the constant hustle and bustle, not rest. Have you ever felt like you were a mediocre mom because you didn't have weekends filled with fun family activities or were not part of the PTO? Take heart. He promises to provide wisdom and offers rest if we ask for and seek it. I believe that includes the wisdom we need to balance our lives. I challenge you to put aside preconceived ideas about how your calendar should look and the people you think you should be pleasing and seek God first. I'm certain you'll find your load a little easier to bear and your heart a little lighter.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, and who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
James 1:5
Linking up with Mommy Momments
and
Tuesday Talk
Love love this!!! Thanks so much for sharing girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm loving this!
DeleteI definitely have the tendency to be a people pleaser. It can be so hard for me to say no to things. When I don't I often end up overwhelmed and overburdened which I know God does not want me to be. I have had to learn to prioritize what is important and not feel bad saying no. Great word of encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI totally get that. It's hard lol.
Delete