A Bigger Picture Moment (and an actual picture)
Do you ever feel that your life needs a complete overhaul? I have felt that way lately.
I can't pinpoint the specific moment it happened, but sometime this week I realized that I have to pare down. I don't do very much outside the home, but it honestly doesn't take a lot to overwhelm me.
At times I wonder why I can do so little. Then I realize it's because I am doing so much at home. The responsibility of raising children is huge. Really huge.
Some people have a greater capacity for activity than me. I have learned it is wise to know your limits, instead of trying to do as others do. Or as I perceive they do.
So, I'm cutting a few things out. Stepping back. Re-focusing.
This life is short.
I won't trade smelling the flowers for busyness.
Which brings me to my actual picture… (a very poor segue, I know)
That there is me and my Little Miss. I know you can't see us very well, but this is about as good as it is going to get on this here blog! My husband took the picture and we decided to use it for my profile. I like it. That chubby, little baby is a blessing I can't even describe. Something dearly hoped for, but not expected.
I love what the ladies at the Bigger Picture Blogs are doing. Looking at the bigger picture regularly affects the way we live. It helps us make wise decisions. It helps us choose to smell the flowers, or listen to a made up poem, or watch your child practice their cartwheels.
The dishes can wait, activities can wait. But children won't wait.
They are here now.
And now doesn't last very long.
How are you finding the bigger picture?
This post is linked to this weeks Bigger Picture Moment at This Heavenly Life
Stacy, I’m so glad you wrote this. It’s very timely for me. Last night I had to do a life-overhaul by eliminating an activity that would have brought my family additional income this winter. I’m so glad you said “it honestly doesn’t take a lot to overwhelm me” because I feel that way (maybe more women do than we realize!) and often feel guilty for not being able to handle more. Hearing you admit that made it okay. It was good for me to realize that God is not telling me to do more. I tell myself that. God wants me to experience his peace and joy, and if I’m doing things that distract me from Him, well, maybe it’s time to simplify.
This is my first time to post on your blog, so it’s nice to meet you! Thank you for writing from the heart and encouraging other women like me.
Turning down opportunities to earn money can be one of the hardest things to say no to. Good for you.
I’m not glad it doesn’t take much to overwhelm you, but I am happy you shared that with me. It is helpful to know we are not alone in our struggles!
Thanks so much for your kind comment. I appreciate it.
Stacy, this is such a monumental bigger picture moment. We each do need to know our own limits. And when you do so much around the house — goodness, it gets to be a lot {esepecially with homeschooling}. So glad you linked with us this week. I enjoyed reading about what’s on your heart today; it’s so very applicable for all of us who are moms and have the tendency to do do do constantly!
Stacy. This was a great post. I have been having the same experience. My kids and my life is just growing and going by too fast. It is so great when we can relax in God’s arms and work on the things that are really important in life… I love you!!!
Thanks Tana! I love you too 🙂
You are right, it is great to relax in God’s arms…why do we forget to do it!? I’m glad He is always ready and waiting for us when we turn to Him.
Stacy, I love all your recipes! I look forward to trying some of them out :O) Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. It’s always nice to know we aren’t talking to ourselves :O) I hope you can pick up some tips and look forward to watching your journey!
Thanks Courtney! Yes, it is nice to know we are not talking to ourselves 🙂 So I truly do appreciate you leaving me a comment!
I’m so glad you joined in Bigger Picture Moments! And man did you choose a doozy of a perfect topic…so true. I have a tough time meeting the measurements I set for myself based only on what other people are accomplishing. I am my own person. I am responsible for my own family.
This was a fresh gulp of air in my lungs today 🙂
Thanks Sarah. I’m glad to have come across Bigger Picture Moments. Such a good thing to be reminded of weekly.