Your Life is Good Enough

I read a blog the other day with this title... and it honestly it home.  I spend so much time trying to figure out how to make my life "better" that I don't enjoy what the Lord has given.  I spend so much time trying to control everything, that I'm not very intentional about developing close relationships with those around me. 

More important than whether I work full time or not, whether I feed my family (and myself) perfectly or not, whether we use natural products or not, whether the house is clean or not, is just nuturing my family and friendships.

Relationships are way more important than anything else...

I will be very intentional about enjoying the time that I have with the kids during the summer, and I'm also thankful that God knows me better than I know myself, and He has provided me with a job that allows me to do what I love (teach) and be home with my kids every evening, weekend, holiday, and summer! 

I'm also realizing that life with three (young) kids is just hectic... working or not.  And I'm learning to be more realistic.  My dream about this summer is that I would make everything from scratch, start buying ONLY organic and natural, etc... and I'm realizing (very quickly) that it just doesn't matter that much!  I have learned a good balance over the past few years, and I've decided to just continue that balance and stop worrying about being perfect in that area.  In the grand scheme of things I'm truly realizing that there are only a few things to be completely focused on... and that's Jesus, family, and friends.  The other things are good but not worth so much focus, time, and money. 

I'm tired of feeling completely weighed down by expectations (that I put on myself).  I want to experience freedom!  And I have that in Christ so why do I weigh myself down? 

It's interesting how many people struggle with anxiety and depression (including myself) and I believe it's because so many people live (in their own power) to do things a certain way because of expectations that come from others (whether or not they will admit it).  Mommy guilt is so big these days because of expectations.  It makes me sad! 

So, mommies, let go of mommy guilt!  Let go of others' expectations!  Let go of what you can't do or can't change!  Move on!  Just love God and love your family and focus on what matters in this life... relationships and doing what God has called you to... whatever that may be.  Whether you stay home, work part time, work from home, work full time... If God called you to it, God called you to it.  Your life is "good enough!"  Enjoy it.  Right.  Where.  You.  Are.  Whether or not it makes sense.  Whether or not you like the situations you are in.  Whether circumstances are great or tough.  Whether you're living in plenty or in want. 

"I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."  Philippians 4:12

I'm also reminded that I am who I am and it just doesn't matter what others think.  It only matters what God thinks.  And He made me just the way that I am for a reason and a purpose... for His glory.  We are all made perfectly, in His image, and for His purposes... we are a part of His plan!  How amazing is it that God would use us, humans, for His glory and purposes! 

Thank you, Jesus, that Your plan is perfect even when we don't understand.  I pray that you would replace anxiety and depression with joy and contentment.  Help us to all be intentional about what You have called us to!