We "Park" Where We Shouldn't "Park"

“No parking zone.”

We are all familiar with those signs. But how often, do we “park” somewhere in our life… that we really shouldn’t?

If only we had “no parking zone” signs clearly displayed for us in our daily interactions, right?

Think about it.  How often do we “park” and “sit” in our emotions? Emotions that don’t do us any good? These emotions only make us feel grumpy, irritable, lonely, depressed, anxious, and/or tired.

How often do we “park” in our thoughts? We replay conversations and social interactions with others. SHOULD we have said something different? SHOULD we have elaborated more? DID they not like us? COULD we have done something differently or better?

How often do we “park” in the unfairness of what is happening to us in our life?

We “park” where we shouldn’t “park.”

It’s too easy to ignore the signs and just plant ourselves somewhere that isn’t good for us. (Or anyone else in our life, for that matter).

What if we retrained ourselves to move along? Sure, maybe that spot was the one we really wanted. But maybe, we can find another spot that turns out to be just as good - if not, better? 

It’s too easy for us to accept and dwell on the negative. Maybe it’s because deep down, we really do think we are unworthy, unacceptable, or unfit.  But you know what? EVERYONE IS!  That is why God’s grace for us is so valuable. So precious.

Put yourself on a level playing field with everyone else. Forget that they have a more beautiful face than you - a slimmer physique - better health - more friends - money - whatever it is. Know that somewhere in their life, they feel (and are) just as unworthy as you are. 

Would that give you the inspiration to move on, easier? 

Would that motivate you to reach out and grab that blessing for your life, that you so desire?

Stop “parking” in the past. Stop “parking” in someone else’s comments of you. (God is the only one who has the right to label us - and He deems us priceless). 

Stop “parking” and wallowing in what is unfair, what you SHOULD have done, or WISH you could do. 

MOVE ON.

Find a new “parking spot.” One that is sitting by a fun new spot with new delights that you’ve never discovered.

Maybe you’ll have to walk a little farther to where you want to go. But it might have just the thing you’re looking for along that walk.

What do you have to lose by trying? And what do you have to lose by refusing to sit in that “no parking zone?”

Nothing.

You have everything to gain.

And it’s time to grow. It’s time to gain. Don’t you think?

Move on today.

What Is Best For You, May Not Be What Is Best For Me

What is best for you, may not be what is best for me.

People have good intentions, sometimes. They get excited over something in their life, and they just want to share it.  

They want you to experience what they did, on a mission trip.  

They want you to enjoy running, like they do.

They think you ought to partake in the same eating diet that they partake in.

They approach you about it, and they invite you into it.

And sometimes, we get pulled in by their excitement. It’s our choice, of course.  But then we wonder why we don’t feel the excitement that they feel. We wonder why we are left, with an empty feeling inside.

And it’s because, what is best for one person, may not be what is best for another person.

An introvert is not going to be fully immersed in the same things that an extrovert is. 

A “techie” will not get a kick out of the same things that a sports fanatic does.

A “girlie girl” who thrives on shopping, makeup, and fashion - will never see how a tomboy enjoys to ride motorcycles, or hike.

We are each made to be different.  And on top of that, we each have our limitations in life. Maybe I DO really like to travel, but my knees prevent me from riding on long jet rides.  Maybe I DO love makeup, but my sensitive skin induces me to go natural and makeup-free.

What is best for you, may not be what is best for me.

We can get excited about the things we enjoy in our lives. We can let them fuel us, and energize us. But it’s good to stop short of making others feel “less than” if they don’t feel the same way, or choose not to enjoy what WE enjoy.

We should never make someone feel bad, for not liking what we like. We should never try to push someone into something, just because we want company, or want to share something we love, with that SOMEONE we love.

What is best for you, may not be what is best for me.

And that’s ok.  Enjoy what you enjoy. Love what you love. But try to expand your horizons also. Slow down, if those you love only walk the slow path.  Go out once in awhile, if those you love, just can’t seem to stay home.  Still be YOU, but try new things once in awhile, things that are within your limitations, your personality bents, and your character.  Pick and choose, what WILL fit into where you are, and WHO you are.

Never let someone tell you that you should try and be someone different. You are YOU. And you are at your best, when you know who YOU are. (Tweet This)

This Is How I Fight My Battles

Life is hard. Isn’t it? There are so many beautiful, precious moments along the way, but there are also some gut-wrenching difficulties.

Life doesn’t pick and choose who has to wage this battle or that. We all get chosen at one point or another.

We all get a “turn” at heartbreak, at rejection, at overcoming adversity; at going against the ‘odds.’

Those moments become etched in our hearts. In our souls.

You never forget them.

Some of us put our fists up ready to fight. Some of us curl into a ball.  But however we choose to respond, the battle comes to our front door anyway.

My battles in life may be the same as yours. Or, they may be different. They may leave me scarred, or they may empower me.

I choose the outcome of how they leave me. Sometimes it takes longer than other times to make that choice, but I still choose.

That’s how I fight. 

I decide to choose my attitude.

I decide to run to… to cling to.. and to dwell on my God and my faith.

I decide to gather as much info, as many resources, and as much Godly counsel as I can.

I decide to run into battle with support - not alone.

These things strengthen me. They give me peace so I don’t panic. And they keep me in the “light” instead of the ‘darkness’ that creeps to overtake me.

I choose to have Scripture verses in prominent places where I can recite them over and over. 

I want to have Christian songs, podcasts, Bible verses, and prayers play into my ears and my heart.

I know when to give myself time alone, and when to saturate myself with the presence of others.

These things focus me. They keep my mind on the things above, instead of the things down here on earth.

It is how I fight my battles.  It is how I am not defeated by my battles.

For I never fight them alone. I know that and I embrace that.

How do you fight yours?

Perfect Isn't So "Perfect"

Part of me loves how a mom can weave and hold the fabric of a household together. The other part of me at times, feels so overwhelmed by it.

Over the years, God has taught me some very personal lessons on this very thing.  I have seen, how I used to be so easy-going as a young adult woman. Then, as a young mom, I somehow became more serious. I got intense about each and every decision I made as a mom - so fearful of “blowing it.”

Can you relate? Do you know that feeling?

Although I never want to regret being intentional about making the right choices and moves in life… I do look back and see how those moments could so easily elevate into “high-strung” and “intense” moments.

All because of the elusive desire for “perfection."

So, I worked on changing those attitudes and desires; worked on moving into a more balanced way of managing my home.

You see, God spoke to my heart. He  showed me over the years, that perfection is highly overrated. 

What is "perfect" anyways? 

Someone will always be more perfect than us in our minds. Someone's home will always be more perfect. Someone's look, style, way of speaking, way of parenting, and even their way of handling life, will be more "perfect" than ours. 

So what is perfect?

When Jesus came to earth, He never tried to be perfect. 

Let your mind grasp that for a minute. 

He was here as a man. Did he make sure his feet were washed and he was "perfectly" clean and presentable before seeing others? No. 

He felt their presence was more important. 

Did He care that Mary and Martha's home was perfectly in order, or that their meal was immaculately prepared? No. 

He wanted their companionship more. 

And that is what God is showing me. That, people matter MORE.

God has shown me that "perfect" isn't so perfect. We can try to do our best out of love for those in our life, but we need to reframe our priorities and standards of perfection.

Our best today might be to clean our whole house; whereas tomorrow, our best might simply be to make the bed.  You see? It’s not perfection that matters.. it’s simply doing our best at the life we’ve been given.

We have all been too hard on ourselves, holding ourselves up to standards that no one can live up to.

Do your best. Do your best out of love for yourself, and for others. But prioritize being with people, more than delivering something TO people. Prioritize soaking in your moments together as a family. They won’t remember the dust-free shelves as much as they will remember the laughs or the tears you shared in conversation together!

Let’s walk together in the Lord, faithfully doing our “best” - but saying goodbye to “perfect.” For it will ever-tempt us with its elusive and unattainable standards that will only overwhelm us.