Back in school I was the nerdy kid that LOVED getting a new planner. ((Full disclosure -- I LOVE A GOOD SALE ON YEARLY PLANNERS!!)) I find that there is an art to writing, no matter what capacity you are doing it. BUT, there is nothing like that of a handwritten letter, note, journal, or even to do list. It feels like you are solidifying your plans into existence when writing them.
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| Excerpt From Leonardo Da Vinci's Handwritten Journal |
Would you agree with me by saying that seeing the handwriting of an inventor, such as Leonardo Da Vinci, is beautiful? You can see the time taken to plan out his inventions and the care he put into each of his creations. I am not trying to parallel myself to Da Vinci, but there is a corresponding line in the peace that writing by hand can bring.
However, I've strayed away from the nostalgia of writing to create plans -- I'm especially NOT writing monotonousness to do lists.
This was never really an issue for me until I had my daughter three years ago. I pinpoint moment because as I take stock of my life I see where I subconsciously allowed postpartum depression and anxiety to take hold of my life. **If you are a mother that has suffered in silence as I have and did -- speak up!!** You are not alone in this struggle and there is nothing shameful about it.
With feelings of shame we feel that we won't measure up and it is a dark place to be. HOWEVER, when you speak up and speak out you find the fight within to rebuke that which weighs you down. You are able to become your best self through your broken pieces by receiving BEAUTIFUL PEACE!!
Maybe that tangent only spoke to me, but I do believe there is another person out there walking a similar road. I pray boldness and confidence over you -- in the name of Jesus.
Where was I?
THE TO DO LIST!!
((Mom brain harder than me.))
Yet, as I've matured in age, I've become overwhelmed by the method of writing THE to do list and creating plans BEFORE I even begin!! I'm afraid of what won't get done, of what I don't feel capable of doing, of the engagements with others that I won't be able to keep and on and on and on.
However, what if I could just start by accepting the fact that I won't finish everything on my to do list?!? WHAT IF I can accept that I won't finish on MY TIME?! WHAT IF I accept that I will finish, but on GOD'S TIME?! Then again, if I would just simply start the list I am already further along that I was yesterday.
What's my point of this, seeming to be, post of overthinking ALL the details?
1. ACCEPT THAT ALONE -- YOU ARE INCAPABLE!!
I don't mean this in a negative context, but with the encouragement that you find rest in your weariness. That you speak your weakness and choose to overcome it.
From the mouth of Jesus in Luke 18:27 he said, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."
I want to one day say just as Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
The perfect reminder of Philippians 4:6 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Take hold of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and let it's simple instruction not burden you, but LIGHTEN you!! For it says, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Whether you are a mom, dad, grandparent, guardian, CEO, high school janitor, fitness enthusiast, restaurant server, wife, husband -- if you are a HUMAN BEING -- I would beg to say we can all relate in some form or fashion. We are in this fight together and Christ wants to be in the middle of it all!!
2. WRITE THE DO LIST!!
You can't finish ANY race in life if you never start.I want to one day say just as Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
3. BE EMPOWERED BY YOUR BIGGER PURPOSE!!
Do not be overwhelmed by trivial tasks!! Those tasks are meant to discipline to develop greater strength. When you remember your why and keep your focus on being a disciplined DISCIPLE of Christ it will be made WELL in your SOUL.The perfect reminder of Philippians 4:6 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
4. BE THANKFUL YOU CAN WRITE THE LIST!!
Sometimes the larger picture can distract us from the importance of the little things. When we find gratitude and life in the mundane we are able to walk in Christ's confidence that we are royalty for his kingdom.Take hold of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and let it's simple instruction not burden you, but LIGHTEN you!! For it says, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Whether you are a mom, dad, grandparent, guardian, CEO, high school janitor, fitness enthusiast, restaurant server, wife, husband -- if you are a HUMAN BEING -- I would beg to say we can all relate in some form or fashion. We are in this fight together and Christ wants to be in the middle of it all!!
TAKE REFUGE IN HIM!!
-- even over a silly TO DO LIST.
-- even over a silly TO DO LIST.
Imperfectly Yours,
Katie