Five Minute Friday: WHY
I glance at my to-do list and see #allthethings that went undone this past week. I moan as the thoughts begin to flood my mind, “WHY can’t I keep up with it all? WHY am I such a bad mom? WHY can’t I be a better help to my husband?” I aspired to do #allthethings. I planned to do #allthethings. So, what happened? Certainly the answer lies in my inefficiency, my inadequacy.
Somewhere in the middle of this self-deprecating sesh, Scriptural truth drowned out the noise of negative emotions:
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
I don’t have to do #allthethings — no one asked me to. But the things I choose to do and the ways I choose to serve others should be done with a cheerful heart. Not because it needs to be done but because I have intentioned to do it and to do it with a proper attitude of service. But how can I do this when I’m knee-deep in monotonous tasks and overwhelmed by my own inability?
I rely on the grace of God which abounds to me. It is more than enough and is greater than #allthethings in the world put together! That changes everything. His grace is never out-matched by my lengthy to-do list or naively ambitious aspirations. He gives the measure of grace I need each day to do the things that really matter — to love my children and my husband, to serve others around me and proclaim the name of Christ as I go.
In his abundance, I find –though I may not be able to do #allthethings– I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. And I’m so grateful for #allthethings He has allowed me to do for Him today.
Indeed! 🙂
While reading your 5 minutes, I was reminded of a quote by Mother Teresa:
‘Wash not the plate because it is dirty nor because you were told to wash it. But because you love the person who will use it next.’
Oh, I love that!
I can relate to this so well – I am often plagued by the desire to do. all. the. things.
Thanks for reminding us His grace abounds toward us – whether or not our to-do list gets done!
Plagued is a great word for that nagging feeling. His grace is truly amazing in that it abounds to comfort us when we fall short and to inspire us to serve Him with what we are able to give to Him.