and she worked until she was tired, and saw that it was GOOD
I have this awful problem of working hard a lot of the day, and when I climb into bed at night, focusing mainly on what I didn’t get done instead of what I did get done, which is sometimes more than others, but really every day, I accomplish a lot. Don’t all moms of families like mine have to -just to keep the family and house running halfway smoothly? I never give myself enough credit for what I do get done. Each night I don’t feel like a sharp pencil ready for the next day, but instead like that sad little pencil that’s 2″ short and dull, with no more eraser – completely worn down and pretty darn tired.
I read a church book the other day that was just ok, except for one part that stuck with me. The one author talked about how after 3 years of full time church service, her house needed a major reorganization. And she was so discouraged because every day she could see more of what was left than what had been accomplished. Sound familiar? She attended the temple one day and came away with her answer – when God created the world, he didn’t do it all in a day. He did each days task, and at the end, SAW THAT IT WAS GOOD. We don’t read anything about “woe is me I have so much left to do, how am I every going to get this all done?” So that’s what she did, too. She worked hard each day and focused on what she was able to do.
I spent a lot of time thinking about this yesterday and am sad I’ve gotten to the place where this will take more than a minor adjustment in my thinking. But does God want me to work my tail off all day, serving my family and Him, and then feel discouragement at the end of the day? No way! He’s not disappointed in me for leaving the dusting and mopping for later so I can read to my children, watch the kids play, and laugh with my baby – so why should I be discouraged when I replace the time I would’ve spent on the tasks I don’t get done, with my family!? Just to see it written out makes me realize that is ridiculous.
I love lists, and am remembering not long ago when I took a week and wrote a list of everything I had done that day instead of everything I needed to do. Maybe I’ll need to go back to that for a few days. And each night, call it good and go to bed happy.
I definitely think you are way to hard on yourself. You should see yourself the way others do. I think you are an amazing mother and wife. You do SO much for everyone! You are a great example to all of us
Such good thoughts. I’m usually kicking myself for not doing enough WITH my kids. BUT- In our family situation right now, sometimes my entire day is spent doing things FOR them and I have to be okay with this fact that sometimes just keeping everyone alive, fed, and clean is all that I can do.
Love the idea of making a post-day list. So good!
wonderful reminder Julie. Yes we get way more done then we let ourselves get credit for. After I was sick for a week I realized that I am so needed. You are no exception. Often I read your blog and go “man how dose she have time for all that?” Three cheers for you.
Beautiful thoughts!
Hi Julie, I lurk from time to time from Segullah and I’ve seldom commented on anybody’s blogs, but I have to tell you how much I loved this post of yours. In fact, yesterday, I told my husband that while I didn’t accomplish much during the day, I’m about 30% done with 15 tasks, and I “saw that it was good”…. thanks so much
YES! I do it, and I like the thoughtful solution.
On Saturday when the whole family helped clean the house I realized that I need to ask for help more often and that little kids’ help can add up to a lot that I don’t have to do.
This is such an important thing for us recovering-perfectionists. Thanks.