– from an overstretched mom who is trying to do it all
Like so many people today, I want to do it all. Yet time and energy always seem to be in short supply. Even so, I tarry on, trying to accomplish everything. Along the way, I have made a few discoveries. I share them here with you today. Read and enjoy, for we mustn’t take life too seriously.
1) Things take time.
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
2) You cannot get it all done in one day. It is okay at times to put off today what you can do tomorrow. If tomorrow doesn’t come, well, you won’t care anyway.
3) You cannot be everything for everybody
– but you can try.
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
4) Slow down or you will trip yourself.
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12
5) When you fall, laugh at yourself, then pick yourself up and continue on your way. There may be snacks!
He who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15
6) If you wait until you have time, you will never accomplish anything.
“Just do it!” – Nike
7) Set reasonable and achievable goals otherwise you will always feel like a failure.
8) A load a day keeps the dirty laundry away.
9) Don’t forget to enjoy the process.
A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22
10) Don’t become discouraged.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
11) Just because it hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it.
“I will either find a way or make one.” Hannibal of Carthage (before taking elephants across the Alps)
12) Every now and then, stop to smell the roses; let the wind blow through you hair.
13) Take time for yourself every day.
14) If you don’t like something in your life, don’t complain. Do what you can to change it.
15) Some assembly is required.
16) Read the directions before you begin.
17) Don’t let disappointment throw you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
18) Don’t neglect your relationships
– with your children, your spouse, and especially God.
19) If God is not a part of the equation, you will not succeed
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5
20) Genius really is in the detail.
21) Breathe.
22) It is okay to begin again.
23) Always shine your kitchen sink. It sets the stage for the rest of the day.
24) Ask for help – allow the people in your life to receive a blessing by serving you.
For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. Luke 22:27
25) Your family could care less what you’ve done all day as long as there are goodies in the pantry.
26) Take care of yourself – eat right and get enough rest.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
27) Slow and steady wins the race.
28) Never, ever leave a single piece of paper on the kitchen counter unattended. When you are not looking, it will be fruitful and multiply.
29) Lean not on your own strength; if God calls you, He will equip you.
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
30) Always error on the side of generosity
– don’t be afraid to give a part of you away.
31) Always smile.
A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13
32) Allow enough time
– things always take longer than you think, so plan accordingly.
33) Don’t be afraid to draw on the walls
34) If you don’t make your bed, neither will your children.
35) Don’t wait for others to begin. Just go for it or you may find you never get started.
36) The early bird really does get the worm.
37) All things do not come to stay, they come to pass…
See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6
38) Find a lesson in every situation and nothing is wasted.
39) Sometimes just be still and take it all in. For it is in quiet contemplation that we can see the face of God.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
40) Know when to stop talking.
I often regret that I have spoken; never that I have been silent. Publilius Syrus
I am still working on this one. I could go on with this list forever. It is already much longer than first I planned. So with this last lesson, I will grow quiet and let you, the reader, say your piece. I would love to hear from you. In the comment section, feel free to add your life lessons to this list.
Wishing you the best in your busy life. God bless you in all your pursuits.
~Susan
Susan Van Volkenburgh Books 