Heart to Heart: Encouragement for Today

Hello, friends! I know, I know!! It has been forevah since I really took the time to blog. It seems that Mommy Dearest (aka teacher, mommy, wife, pastor's wife, blogger, resource creator, housekeeper, need I go on?) has been on a bit of a forced sabbatical from the blogging world as I have been keeping the roads HOT for the past few weeks. I have been traveling to be a part of birthday parties, family meals, and ministry events, two of which have involved yours truly as being the featured speaker. This added another hat to my seemingly mountain of hats. Don't get me wrong, each one is an honor! I have thoroughly enjoyed each trip, conversation, and service. But, it did mean that I placed some hats to the side to accomplish it.

This brings to mind the fact that I need to listen to my own words! Just recently I had the opportunity to speak to a group of ladies about the many hats that we wear. All of the ones I listed above as well as many more made it on the list. A great challenge for us "hat-bearers" is that we try to bedazzle and decorate each one. I want to be a nurturing mother and a supportive wife. I want to be an encouraging pastor's wife and an interesting teacher! A little bling here! A lot of bling there!

The problem with this is that we can only maintain the bling for so long before we fall into a cycle. I feel excitement along with utter exhaustion when I am getting it all done! But, I am feeling guilt and desperation when I can't seem to find a way. I begin to look at others, comparing myself and wondering what is wrong with me. I become a worry wort while my peace and joy fly out of the window!

Let me share with you the Scripture that I shared with those precious ladies. Perhaps it will encourage you and perhaps show you how I am trying to change my perspective. You will find it in Luke chapter 10. Here is the story we are given: 38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

I have really focused in on the last few verses. The one thing that is priority is my time with the Lord. All of the other hats truly do pale in comparison. Not that they aren't important; however, if I get my priority right, the rest falls into place. I become a better mother and wife just by spending time in the presence of Jesus. It also grants me perspective on which hats I need to continue wearing and which hats I need to lay aside. I am in the process of doing that now. There are things God has directed me to do and there are other hats that I have picked up along the way that albeit good only serve to distract me from my purpose. So, this Mommy dearest is trying to pay attention to her own words. I have been working to sort through my hats and never misplace my priorities. This is a process that I am still working through and I am sure I will need to listen up to my own words again in the future.

Just wanted to share my heart with you today and perhaps encourage you to look closely at all the hats you are trying to wear. Martha was so worried about good things; yet, she was missing out on the best things. I never want to settle for less than God's perfect destiny for my life. This is a lesson that I want to learn for keeps!