Sometimes we’re blessed more for pushing away than for pushing forward. The key is knowing the difference.
While I consider myself quite laid back in some areas in life, I grew up on the East Coast and have a tendency to work hard. Push myself. I grew up with the mindset of work first, play later. Only problem with that philosophy is that as the world gets busier with all these “time-saving devices to make our lives better,” the work never seems to end. Ever. One more blog to write. One more assignment to finish. One more project. Email. Text. Household chore.
When I push too hard for too long, I pay for it: emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. I’ve been blessed to work from home for almost two decades now, and I have to admit, my body doesn’t snap back as quickly as it did when I started.
I have had goals in 2021. Most of my goals haven’t been fulfilled, or accomplished, or progressed as far as I would like. And I’m learning I need to be okay with that.
I’ve also remembered that I need to focus more on asking God what His goals are for me this week, this month, this year and make sure I line my goals up with His, instead of His goals up with mine.
I’m trying to keep that in mind as the word counts I want to achieve on a Friday are twice what I actually write. I need to remember that time with my family is precious, and looking back over the past few months, I’m so glad I chose God’s way and His agenda instead of my own.
I had gotten used to having everyone home during the pandemic shut down. The kids were part virtual/part in-person learning so someone was always here. I knew in the back of my mind things would “get back to normal” eventually, but who really knew what the new normal would look like?
We’re now at the beginning of summer when I’m writing this and both older children are juggling two jobs which means much less time to spend with them. Our youngest is going to be home for the summer soon but he’s adding more responsibilities so will be busier as well. I’ll have time to write my word count. It will happen.
But the memories I chose to make this spring when life was a little less busy? I wouldn’t have had the chance to get those moments back. I’ll take starting the summer with a smaller word count and more special family moments any day.
Family. Friends. Relationships. That is the purpose of living. Pointing everyone back to God. To the One who has all the answers and who loves us with an unconditional, everlasting love.
Sometimes my job is to sit in front of the computer and love the written word. Sometimes it’s to push away and love on those whom God has blessed me with. Always it’s to ask God for His agenda for my day to know the difference and choose wisely.
© Cheri Swalwell 2021