Houston has had the yuckiest weather lately (today was finally sunny and hot). But when the weather is gloomy, it always makes for the perfect weather to reflect. With it being the end of the month, I’m reflecting on all of the good things that have gone on just in this month alone. There have certainly been some trials, but May has certainly been full of joy. This month I had new opportunities, wrote a ton, met new people, celebrated motherhood, enjoyed our first family vacation, and celebrated my hubby’s birthday. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle, it has certainly been a month full of prayers and growth, too. As I’m writing this I’m listening to “Word of God Speak” by MercyMe, and I’m almost in tears; you know the kind, happy tears. This song makes me think of this Bible verse: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 NIV). With those words resting on my heart, here are a few realizations and reminders that have come to light as of late. I hope they make you smile.
1. I can’t do it all, but I can love all that I do.
It’s just that plain and simple. This statement is not to be contradicted with Philippians 4:13. Because yes, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. But did God mean for us to do everything all at once? I personally don’t think so. However, sometimes I struggle with not being able to do it all. Sometimes I find myself wanting to be supermom and to do everything I possibly can until I am sometimes spread way too thin, even going a little bit cray cray. When I’m spread too thin, my family suffers. But God gives us discernment to know what to do and when. He helps strengthen our hearts and helps us prioritize the things that matter and the things that don’t. He strengthens us to get through the good and the bad. So I’m going to love all that I am able to do. Even if something isn’t getting checked off my to-do list or the house isn’t as clean as I’d like it to be (or I haven’t checked Instagram all day), as long as I’m loving my family and living in the moment then I’ve done all I really wanted to do.
2. God knows exactly what you need, who you need, when you need it.
Y’all, sometimes life is HARD. Sometimes balancing everything in this life is hard. I saw this picture on Joel Osteen’s Facebook page a while back, and it is so true and such a great reminder that God knows us better than we could ever imagine. I know sometimes it’s hard letting go and relinquishing control, but God already knows our needs. He’s there building the path that is set to be our life. I am so thankful for God loving me the way He does. His plan is always the perfect plan.
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3. Learn to love your story.
I just read this devotional today by Lysa TerKeurst on Proverbs31 Ministries. In this devotional, Lysa explains a few crazy happenings in just one day of her life and how she laughed, dealt with, and even got mad at the things that went on, just another page in her life story. But she had already pre-decided to love her story. She decided that she would “look at it all through the lens of noticing the rich evidence of life through each mess and mishap.” Even when the crazy happens and especially when the good rolls around, love your story. It’s your life that God has so graciously put in your lap, a story that He has written just for you. Love it. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). My hope in each day is to love and appreciate this life that I have, a life that is so precious and a true gift from God. I want to notice all the lovely.
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4. There is always a reason to smile.
When I was younger, I was always such a complainer and whiner. I always used to let my busy life consume me, and I really didn’t take the time to enjoy the little things. Thankfully, I made it through what can only be called a season of growing pains (you can read a little more about that season here). Since then, I really have tried to be as positive as I can as much as I can. So it was really nice to read this reminder to find joy and smile at the days ahead. I really loved this little devotional called A Reason To Smile by Renee Swope, so I thought I would share it with you:
“When you think about all you have going on this week, do you have anything planned that will make you smile?
The other day I was reading about the Proverbs 31 woman. Among all her qualities, one thing I love is that the Bible says she smiled at the days ahead. It made me wonder if that is how anyone would describe me? Honestly, I let my days and my weeks get so filled with tasks that my heart and my smile gets buried in the busyness. I have to schedule time on my calendar to stop all my running around and do something I look forward to, like playing games with my kids or spending time with a friend, or going on a date with my husband.
How about you? Is there something you enjoy doing that you haven’t done in a while? Something you can plan this week that will give you a reason to smile about the days ahead?”
Thanks, Renee, for reminding us to slow down and smile.
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5. The path to a fulfilled dream is filled with ordinary days surrendered to an extraordinary God.
I read this post on Proverb31 Ministries’ Facebook page this week after a long, stressful day one day this week, and it totally resonated with me. Here is what it said:
“I’m just an ordinary woman. Dirty dishes, piles of laundry, and carpools greet me every day. Most days I wake up with peace in my heart because, despite the realities of daily life, I’ve found the purpose for which God created me. I’m living out the dreams He tucked in my heart.
God created me to be a wife, a mother, and a friend. He also created me to speak His truth and invite others to live a life that makes a difference for Jesus. What’s your dream?
Maybe the day to start following the dreams God put in your heart is today, but things may not change dramatically. The path to a fulfilled dream is filled with ordinary days brimming with ordinary chores and surrendered to an extraordinary God.” – Lysa TerKeurst
From today’s P31 Radio Show, “Everyday Life with Lysa & Renee” — a production of Proverbs 31 Ministries
I am just an ordinary woman, trying to live a life that makes a difference for Jesus. May we all keep God first in our life, living each ordinary day extraordinarily because of Him, following the dreams that He has put in our heart.
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When I was a teacher, I always used to tell my students that happiness is a choice. I’m pretty sure I learned that from Oprah, but really, it’s true. Each day I wake up, I always want to choose joy. I want to choose to see the bright side of things in all the ordinary days. I love when I get affirmations like the ones above to keep me in line to stay happy. I hope these little tidbits spoke to your heart as they did to mine. Many blessings, girlfriend! Keep smiling. ;)
This post is linked up with four amazing bloggers, who host the fabulous Five on Friday series: Darci at The Good Life Blog; Liz at A. Liz Adventures; Christina at Carolina Charm; and Natasha at Hello! Happiness.
I could not agree with you more. I like the reason to put a smile on your face.
:)