In a world of selfies and Pinterest-perfect images, it’s easy to succumb to the pressures of who we should be.

[bbctt 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? You haven't had time to look at your own reflection since yesterday.#theremustbemorethanthis#isthisit#helpmejesus."]

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.

[bbctt tweet="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 skirt.#notcutoutforperfect#thereisnosuchthingasperfect#notsupermom"]

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.

[bbctt tweet="It could be you long for less of busy and a lot more of Jesus.#fewersocialexpectations#fewerchurchobligations#balance#noisnotabadword"]

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.

[bbctt tweet="Before long, I'm struggling to find Jesus at the bottom of the pile. I know he's there; waiting patiently.#choosethebetterpart#restinhim"]

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 [email protected] 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