Put Down Those Capes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a new mother, I’m still trying to find a balance in my life. There are so many roles I play: child of God, mother, wife, employee, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, small group leader, actor, maid, cook, and the list goes on and on. Each area calls for my attention and time and I admit I am a bit of a perfectionist. Just give me a cape and a tiara and I can accomplish anything.

As 2011 came to a close, I found myself exhausted and drained from trying to be perfect in every area of my life. As I looked at my life I felt as though I had fallen short in every single area. My house was a complete mess, I had turned to fast food and frozen dinners for our family meals most week nights, I had no energy or time to spend with my husband, I had a membership at the Rush that I hadn’t used since April, I had to turn down acting roles at church, I couldn’t keep my head above water at work, I hadn’t talked to my mom or dad in a month and I haven’t had a quiet time since Jameson had been born.  As I spill to my dear friend Connie Gillette about my frustrations and failures she made a statement that hit me smack in the head, “perfection is in heaven”. Here I was running myself to death trying to achieve perfection in every area of my life when it would be impossible to achieve.

Looking at 2012 I now know I’m going to fail probably at most goals I set for myself. But that’s ok! It’s more about the journey of trying to achieve them because that’s where the growth comes in. It’s about the relationships more than the tasks. If I have to pick up Panera so I can spend less time cooking and more time playing with my son and having my quiet time with God, that’s ok. If I have to wear my fat jeans because I didn’t do laundry the night before so I could spend quality time with my husband that’s ok! I also need to set realistic goals and not try to be like someone else. My house will never be spotless, I probably will never sew my children’s Halloween costumes and I won’t always be able to bake homemade cookies because I’m not a stay at home mom. Instead of stubbornly trying to pretend that I can do all these things on top of work a full time job, this year I  WILL set my cape down and retire as superwoman.

If you have a similar personality or experience, I hope this blog gives you a sense of peace to not have to attain perfection. God came to earth and died on a cross for us so we wouldn’t have to feel this sort of pressure. All you have to do is graciously accept that gift and live your life the best you can, knowing it’s ok to fall short and it’s expected. Oh and laughing at yourself also helps

Category: Worship