In a world of selfies and Pinterest-perfect images, it’s easy to succumb to the pressures of who we should be.
Maybe you feel the pressure to be that stay at home mom--every floor spotless,each child neatly combed and perfectly dressed. But, instead? You haven't had time to look at your own reflection since… Click To Tweet
Maybe you feel the pressure to be that stay at home mom–every floor spotless, each child neatly combed and perfectly dressed. But, instead? The dog left a trail of wet paw prints across the family room carpet and you haven’t had time to look at your own reflection since yesterday.
Perhaps you bear the weight of living up to the impossible image of the wife and mother who manages it all...all the while nimbly weaving throughout the day in a pair of kitten heels and a sleek pencil… Click To Tweet
Perhaps you bear the weight of living up to the impossible image of the wife and mother who manages it all. Working the nine-to-five job; carpooling children from one soccer lesson to the next; high-fiving your husband on the way out the door—all the while nimbly weaving throughout the day in a pair of kitten heels and a sleek pencil skirt.
It could be you long for less of busy and a lot more of Jesus.#fewersocialexpectations#fewerchurchobligations#balance#noisnotabadword Click To Tweet
It could be that you long for less of busy and a lot more of Jesus. While goals can be wonderful, they often seem misleading. Misdirected. Misinformed. Instead of taking me deeper into relationship with Christ, they pull me away from Him. Rather than guiding me toward connection with the Father, they pull at from every side. Social expectations. Church obligations. Family needs.
Before long, I'm struggling to find Jesus at the bottom of the pile. I know he's there; waiting patiently.#choosethebetterpart#restinhim Click To Tweet
Before long, I’m struggling to find Jesus at the bottom of the pile. I know he’s there; waiting patiently to push a bedraggled strand of hair from my face. I can almost see him smiling as I kneel at his feet, my head leaning against his knee as I sigh. The sort of sigh you can’t help letting go of once you acknowledge how weary you’ve become.
“You’ve finally chosen the better part.” I know the words. I’ve read them before, but today they’re meant for me. Do you hear his gentle voice speaking to you, as well?
“Choose the better part. Come to me…and I will give you rest. The Lord doesn’t see things the way people see them.” (Lk. 10:42, Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Sam. 16:7)
Take a moment, daughter of Christ. Pause. Breathe. There is no pressure with him. No person you must be or become. He loved you long before you existed and will love you far beyond the day time expires. The pressures of this world will soon pass away, but the promise of His holy presence will fill our hearts forever.
Challenge of the Week- This week, I’m inviting you to join me in a challenge! Spend 20 minutes (more or less) every day with Jesus. You might prayer walk, enjoy a praise and worship time, write in a prayer journal, or read the Bible. Whatever it is, I’d love to know how this practice impacts the pressure you feel to perform or be the “perfect” mom or wife. Send me an email at tammy.kennington@gmail.com or respond in the comments below to let me know.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I often link up with the following wonderful bloggers:
Mondays Sunday Thoughts / InstaEncouragements/ Anita Ojeda Mandy and Michele
Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode,
Wednesdays Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee/ Porch Stories
Thursdays Heart Encouragement / Tune In Thursday /Salt and Light / Five Minute Friday
Friday Counting My Blessings, Faith on Fire , Blogger Voices Network , Embracing the Unexpected
Great post! I love your challenge and will be joining you in it! It is always good to have extra motivation to spend time with Jesus!
Hi, Cheryl! I’ll look forward to having a friend join me. Glad you enjoyed the post, too. Blessings, Tammy
We hold ourselves sometimes to unbearable standards that squelch our personalities and run against all the God has in mind for us. thank you for this call to lean into God’s best for US, custom made and by His design.
Oh, I love it! We are custom made–in His image and as He intended. Peace and grace, Tammy
I’m blessed to be your neighbor this week at #TellHisStory, Tammy. God has been lifting away so many pressures in my life over these last months, things that I thought were of Him, and yet I carried the responsibility myself instead of giving it to Him. I am so thankful that He always keeps pursuing us to choose the better part, letting Him direct our moments. Thank you for this precious confirmation.
I try to prayer walk each morning with God, but, my very favorite is to share time with God while I’m swinging on my front porch! Thanks for keeping me challenged to continue the practice!
Your article reminds me of how my grown children and late wife told me that they felt huge pressure to be perfect all the time as so many looked on them and through the walls of our “glass house” as a ministerial family. I personally never felt the pressure but then I was just amazed that God had saved me nad was using me.
I would imagine a lot of families in ministry can relate to the pressure your family experienced. Isn’t it interesting that our experiences can vary so widely even given similar circumstances? Thanks for visiting. Blessings, Tammy
“Take a moment. Pause. Breathe. There’s no pressure in Jesus.” It seems simple, but yet so challenging. Thanks for your inspiring message.
Katherine, thank you for being here today. I’m grateful for your visit. It is challenging, isn’t it? Peace and grace, Tammy