And yet, as new creations in Christ, doing the things I’m
responsible for not only becomes possible, it becomes something I want to
do! It’s a joy! Why?
Because I’m doing what I was created to do.
What are my responsibilities? Well, being the best wife and mother I can
be, serving in the ministries I’ve committed to at church, keeping healthy
spiritually and emotionally, loving and serving others to the best of my
abilities… Funny thing, just typing that
list brings a smile to my face!
Why? Because when I
get my focus off of myself and what I want or need at the moment and get it
back on my real, actual need – to fulfill my responsibilities in life – I
become happier! Focusing on my own
complaints never brings sunshine.
Years ago, I attended a seminar called Parenting With Love
and Logic, led by a man named Jim Fay.
It was beyond outstanding. He
cited a study that had polled a large number of adults, asking them to rate
their level of happiness. They asked
everything about their lives and their childhoods they could think of to find
some link to their happiness level, and the one they found was surprising: the people who were the happiest adults
reported being taught (and required) to do chores as kids.
What’s the takeaway?
I was made to fulfill certain responsibilities. Neil’s subtly bringing us back to the
principle that a true goal doesn’t involve other people, just me (being the
best mommy I can, vs. wanting to have obedient kids), so nobody can block
it. Blocked goals lead to frustration
and hopelessness; I’m happy and I feel significant when I’m doing what I was
made to do.
Now if you’ll excuse me, this best-mommy-and-wife-I-can-be
needs to go slay the laundry monster…
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