There is an evil, ugly, insidious lie that I am very prone to believing. It sends me spinning around the house from one thing to another, flitting from room to room, never completing one thing before rushing on to the next.
The laundry needs to be done, but in the doing I notice that the beds must be made, and while making one the children need me to play with them, and while playing I realize how I haven't read to them in far too long, and while reading I remember the laundry and the dishes, and while washing dishes oh dear, we haven't done art projects this week, and while getting out art supplies I remember the beds, still unmade, and the laundry, still un-hung.
The lie is "never enough". It says that I should do everything. It says that I should do everything well. And it says that I should do everything well without ever getting upset or angry or tired.
It is easy to think that it is true guilt, that I really should do everything, and well, and that if I don't it is because I am failing my family, failing God.
I think the Father of Lies would like me to feel guilty. He would like me to let that guilt keep me spinning in circles and then collapsing, crushed, on the couch in despair.
But he lies. God's call for my life right now is very full, but it is not He who says that my efforts are "never enough". Rather, He says "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
It is enough.
The laundry needs to be done, but in the doing I notice that the beds must be made, and while making one the children need me to play with them, and while playing I realize how I haven't read to them in far too long, and while reading I remember the laundry and the dishes, and while washing dishes oh dear, we haven't done art projects this week, and while getting out art supplies I remember the beds, still unmade, and the laundry, still un-hung.
The lie is "never enough". It says that I should do everything. It says that I should do everything well. And it says that I should do everything well without ever getting upset or angry or tired.
It is easy to think that it is true guilt, that I really should do everything, and well, and that if I don't it is because I am failing my family, failing God.
I think the Father of Lies would like me to feel guilty. He would like me to let that guilt keep me spinning in circles and then collapsing, crushed, on the couch in despair.
But he lies. God's call for my life right now is very full, but it is not He who says that my efforts are "never enough". Rather, He says "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
It is enough.
3 comments:
Yep. Right on. Enough is not ours to judge; its His. Judging ourselves is usurping His place.
Although, I have to admit, I like puttering around the house from task to task. But only when the kids are occupied or asleep. :)
Amen, Emily. I've found myself in this same whirling guilt trap lately. And it certainly does lead to crankiness and despair.
You're right to remind me of God's sufficient grace.
For me, a wonderful part of that grace is a little child and a husband who really don't mind a mess as long as it is a peaceful, homey mess. Thank you for helping me to see them as part of the grace of God.
This post was truly a Godsend. I am so grateful to you for this post. I have felt the stinging power of the dark side so often lately with "You will never be enough" whispered daily. Thank you for helping me remember who I am really working for, God and family and that yes, . .I AM enough.
Post a Comment