6.02.2010

Defining Priorities

For everything there is a season...

Sometimes simply enjoying my current season of life is hard. 

As a single person I wanted to get married. 
As a new bride I wanted babies. 
With new babies I wanted talking, interacting toddlers.

It's not that I didn't enjoy or appreciate each new season, because I did. 
But I have always looked forward to the next season. 

I struggle with balance, priorities and simply being present in the here and now. 

I struggle when I compare myself to other moms who are leading entirely different lives.
Not better lives. Not worse lives. Just different - and I start to wonder if my life shouldn't be different like theirs too.

It's at times that I struggle that I am most grateful for a defined list of priorities for myself, my children and our family. Because then even if I feel like doing something that will completely redirect us, I don't. Because it's not part of the plan. 
A plan that we have prayed about, sought guidance for and matches up with our family motto.

It's not that having a list of priorities makes the challenges any less of a challenge, but it reminds me of why I am doing what I'm doing. It reminds me of what the (hopeful!) end goal is. And it reminds me that there have been hours of prayer put into the defined priority list - and it makes deciding what I should actually do easier.

And maybe this makes no sense to anyone else.
But I needed to remind myself. 


9 comments:

Anonymous said...

If it counts as anything, every time I read your blog and see you as this wonderful woman, mother, and wife I want to be just like you. I respect and wish to learn from your ideas and goals as a mother. The way you are raising your children is amazing. You are one very blessed woman!

Anonymous said...

If it counts as anything, every time I read your blog and see you as this wonderful woman, mother, and wife I want to be just like you. I respect and wish to learn from your ideas and goals as a mother. The way you are raising your children is amazing. You are one very blessed woman!

Anonymous said...

It makes perfect sense! Just what I needed to read today! I struggle with the same things so often and need this reminder, too.

Jana said...

Great Reminder....I'm loving my life right now with 2 teen boys! And I'll be really happy too when my nephew arrives. I haven't always loved the stages of life but I am much better about living in the moment than I used to be....progress :)
Jana

Anonymous said...

I, too, struggle with living where I'm at now instead of wanting the next phase in life.
-jerilyn

Jaminabeth said...

I think so many of us feel this way. It's so easy to compare ourselves to one another and wonder how we measure up against the people we admire the most. (I often do just that when I read your blog!) It's funny, I struggle with wanting a different season, only backwards sometimes. I miss things I once had (like long hair that I could keep nice, or time to spend with long-distance friends, or the freedom of singlehood, or a simpler day when I didn't have to worry about so much "stuff", etc.)

We are constantly evolving into what we would like to be. It's a difficult balance to appreciate today while looking to a better tomorrow. After all, Christ is constantly changing us more and more into His image.

Thanks for being honest, and thanks for the example you are of someone who is working toward the goal to which the Lord has called you!

~Elizabeth

P.S. You're making me think hard about my priorities and how the Lord would have me use those earnings I've been saving! ;)

Courtney Baker said...

I've never felt satisfied living a way I thought I was "suppose to live". As soon as we started doing what felt right for us, our family motto, everything else just seemed to fit right into place.

I still catch myself worrying about whether or not Milli looks tailored enough or if I look prepared enough (you know an endless Mary Poppins bag). Then I just stop and remember that those things aren't as important to us.

Nicole said...

What beautiful, well-written post. I know exactly how you feel; I too, find myself always looking ahead instead of enjoying today. Great reminder to remember that "God makes all things beautiful in His time..." (Eccles. 3:11)

Unknown said...

You are a wise young mother. Hang on to this. I still struggle with this concept of savoring the moment, but i'm learning!- at 6o still!
Mom

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