Having it all together is overrated

I don’t have it all together. There I said it.

My teenage daughter has taken to asking me if I have my keys before she will even close the door of my car, because I have locked the keys in the car more than one or two times. Before we leave to go somewhere she asks me if I have this or that object to make sure that I don’t forget it. Yeah I know, who’s the mom and who’s the kid? But we have a pretty good understanding between us. I appreciate her help.

This year I am seriously considering putting a Santa hat on the scarecrow for my outdoor Christmas decorations. LOL That’s because the scarecrow is still up and we’re already almost mid-December. And if somebody wants to laugh at me, I’ll just laugh with them.

I decided to go through with it.

Yesterday, after 4 months of physical therapy for my knee and lower back, I was able to go hiking in the woods for a couple of hours, and I wasn’t even tired! Exhilarated would describe it better!  And that was after singing in our Christmas cantata at church without being in pain. Then, after our hike, my husband and I got ready and attended a Christmas concert.  It is God that has brought me to this place; a few months ago I couldn’t have done all that.

But just because I had a wonderful day does not mean I have my act together. I just chose to do those fun things instead of the not-so-fun ones.

When I worked my first job as a records clerk in an insurance agency, my supervisor taught me a very important lesson.

She said that if I didn’t get all the work done, it would still be there tomorrow.

She was not advocating laziness but recognizing that you can work hard and still not get done.  She knew that worrying about it overnight would not help things, and that there are only so many hours in a day.  She recognized that you have to give yourself a break.

The laundry will still be there tomorrow. The dishes will, too. The things that need to be put away–yep, those too!

Wanting to have it all together was a part of my former perfectionist self. But God, in His grace, has changed me into a new person over a period of time.

I used to ask God to help me not to be so proud, because I recognized that pride was a problem in my life. God answered by sending me all kinds of humbling experiences.

Today I am less likely to ask that. When I struggle with pride, and I still do, I prefer to say, “I’m sorry,” and “I surrender.” I’ve found by experience that it is easier to humble myself than to be humbled.

So, if you are struggling this hectic season with feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm try these simple tips:

1. Each morning when you wake up, ask God what He wants you to do that day.
2. Then listen to His still, small voice in your heart, and obey.
3. Write down the things He tells you to do if you’re afraid you’ll forget them.
4. Go so far, even, as to ask Him in what order you should do the things He tells you to do.
5. Don’t give yourself a guilt trip if God doesn’t tell you to do something you normally would have, or think you should have, done.
6. Imagine yourself in the palm of his loving hand being carried by Him.
7. Make him the Lord of your daily schedule.
8. Decide only to care about what He says about you and not about what others say.
9. Thank the Lord for His love, help and direction, and worship Him.

I pray that God’s grace and peace will be on you as you go through this Advent season.  May He give you success in your endeavor to walk closer to Him.

 

Do you have any other suggestions on how to get through stressful seasons?  Please share in the comment section below.  I’d love to hear from you!  🙂

Linking up with:

Glimpses

Faith on Fire,  Faith ‘n Friends,  Grace & Truth,  Dance with Jesus,  Spiritual Sundays

Chasing Community,  Tune In Thursday,  Heart Encouragement Thursday

Recharge Wednesday,  Coffee for your Heart

Kelly Balarie and Friends,  TrekkingThru,  Tell His Story