Written By: Mary Martinez
This blog goes out to all those mamas out there who never seem to be able to get it all done or just feel like they are constantly trying to play catch up. If this sounds familiar, hear me out. See, I often find myself getting frustrated when my list of “to-dos” doesn’t get done for the day or my schedule gets thrown to the wind. I set these preconceived expectations of all the things we “need” to do to be productive, and when we don’t get them done. I lose it!
Well, if any of this seems relatable, here is your “check yourself” moment. I had such a moment last month during our church’s weekly bible study. One of the men during our discussion time asked the question, “Are you being led by the Holy Spirit or by your tasks?” These words hit me like a double-edged sword. Right away, I knew the Lord was speaking directly to me, and he was laying the conviction heavy on my heart, giving me that “check yourself” moment.
You see, that week in particular, I was laser-focused on all the things I thought I “needed” to do. I was trying to establish a new cleaning routine, chore chart, and school schedule. I was on a mission to get our lives back on track, establish order, and catch up after weeks of being sick. But here’s the thing, I was missing something, or should I say someone, a very important someone. I was missing the Holy Spirit. I was trying to do it all on my own, and well, it was not going so hot.
I went home after that Bible study and decided right then and there that I needed to start making it a priority to pray at the start of each day, welcoming the Holy Spirit into my day and asking Him to lead me. Then, going even further, I would pause and evaluate throughout the day, asking myself: What am I being led by? Am I listening to His voice?
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
What is leading you this week? Do you need to refocus and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you?
Here is a simple prayer you can pray to help you get refocused.
Lord,
Thank you for the reminder to “check myself”. I want to be obedient to you and your leading today. I release control and surrender my day to you. Help me to be sensitive to the moving and voice of the Holy Spirit. Remind me to pause throughout the day and take time to listen to your leading. Guide me in raising my children. Show me the true needs of my children, to see them the way you see them. Help me to stop comparing our family dynamics to others. I rebuke the spirit of comparison and perfection. Direct me to refocus on the things that are important to you. Amen
