One of the things that has bugged me over the years was wondering if I was accomplishing enough. I see so many women who have families, work, go to school, ferry their children to and fro, keep immaculate houses, participate in school and church committees, etc. ... and I've asked myself, "Why do they get to do all that? What's wrong with me?" But over the years I've come to the conclusion that they really aren't accomplishing what their outward picture is displaying.
I did try to be "that woman". I tried to keep the spotless house. I tried to work and home school my son at the same time in the same office. I tried to work on my husband's ministry, doing the things he needed to get done to ease his schedule. I tried to be the faithful church member who was involved in more church ministries than I could begin to tell about. I couldn't do it. I found that out when a doctor told me to ease up or I wasn't going to live to my son's graduation or at BEST I would be a vegetable.
Talk about a wake up call. I had to do some soul searching.
I began REALLY watching these women and analyzing my own life. What I found surprised me at first, but upon retrospect, I realized that the "have it all woman" really didn't have it all. I was living proof of that. It was all I could do to function. My doctor let me know that my health was failing; but, then again, I knew that already because I felt horrible. I began realizing that my normal character trait of promptness was slacking; I was late for things all the time. I began letting things slide in every area; I barely completed projects with the skill that I once did. I resented activities and people that I loved because "they" were asking more of me than I could give.
Eventually, I learned that I had to say "no". And that saying "no" is okay. It doesn't mean that I love God less or that I love my family and friends less. I needed to set the priorities in the right order.
So, I have a challenge for those of you who are seeking some balance in your life. In trying to lose weight, I quickly learned that if I write down everything that I eat during the day it makes me more conscious of the calories I am taking in. (And was I ever surprised that first week!!) In that same spirit, I want you to write down everything that you do for one week. It doesn't matter if it is doing laundry, washing dishes, driving in the car, at a soccer game, or watching television. Write it down and how much time was spent doing it. ONE WEEK!! Be sure to include how much sleep you get as well. Then come back for the resolution.
Until then....
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A New Adventure
As I sit here contemplating what to write I am asking myself, "Why on earth do you want to blog? What do you have to say that hasn't been said before? Who really cares what you think?"
Well, I don't know the answers to those questions.
I do know that I just want to be an encouragement to others who are trying to live a godly life in a very ungodly world. I am reaching that age -- the "elder woman" -- that Titus refers to. I want to inspire younger, and older women, to be more than the world's version of a woman. I want you to be God's version of a woman. I want you, the reader, to reach higher than the "norm".
Here I hope to teach, encourage, and inspire. I hope to grow with you as well.
I'm looking forward to our times together. Bear with me as I learn and grow with you.
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