Do
you ever find yourself “just going through the motions?” In life? Your
marriage? Your job? Parenthood?
Why
is that? Too busy? Staying nonstop? Tired? Compassion pushed aside? Priorities
shifted? Just trying to keep your head afloat? Obstacles in your path? I don’t
know about you, but my answers vary depending on what phase I’m going through,
or it could depend on the day or my mood or mindset.
Almost
each and every time our marriage is at a low, we are overdue for a date
together, just Carter and me. We all know marriages are not perfect, and they
take work. They require both wife and
husband doing and covering the variety of responsibilities that need to be
taken care of so not just one gets burnt out. It can’t be one sided. Communication is always a biggie too that
helps us so that feelings can be shared, and we can be on the same page, etc. It’s
awesome to see how simple things such as “Please” and “Thank you” make a huge
difference. Not to mention making one
another feel appreciated is super important as well. When your marriage is lacking, what do you do
to reignite it?
Probably
the area I find myself most present and truly in the moment lately has been
during this summer. I had the opportunity to work part time and jumped on it so
I can be more in momma mode. Micah and I have both cherished this journey these
few months. We have also been able to travel some as a family. Pushing work aside some instead of being in
workaholic mode has paid off drastically in a gazillion ways for my little guy
and me.
Those
who know me best know that being a mommy was my biggest desire and hope for
years...A miracle that I thank God for every day! Don’t get me wrong, mommy
hood has it’s low moments and “just going through the motions” times, too. You
know exactly what I’m talking about...when the list of things that need to get
done is super long, but my awesome toddler is clingy and wants to be held. I’m trying
to shift to the “enjoy holding him” moment, and the list can wait or something
can be done in 10 minutes instead of right now.
When I have this shift in mindset, I seem to also shift from "just
going through the motions” to being present. What another amazing change! What do you do to get back in that cherished
mommy mode when needed?
I
could give a ton of other examples of just going through the motions...but what
about you? Where do you struggle in this arena?
Where are you excelling?
What
about strengthening your relationship with God? Do you get excited about
reading His word, or has it just become another habit or “going through the
motions” moment? What about going to church? This could be a whole other blog
entry in and of itself. In short though,
(and many of you are going to be shocked because you know how much I love the
Lord and His word), but this has been a huge struggle for me over the last year
and a half or so. Basically, it’s been because I have been upset, hurt,
confused still, and have pushed a little more away from Him than towards
God. I am happy to say this has shifted
back in the right direction in the last couple months. We have a church home again! We are in a
small group with others around our same phase of life and surrounded by love,
encouragement, and accountability again.
God meant for us to do life together as a community, not alone or in
hibernation. Have you had any God see-saw moments or God winks lately? How have you handled
them? (Matthew West's song, "The Motions" comes to mind here: The Motions Song)
Oh
how l love each and every one of you! Thanks for always being so excited about
what my heart has to share! Big hug!
Kristin, Thank you so much for this. You openness and honesty are so refreshing <3!!! Yes, way lots of see saw moments in the past 7yrs. The struggle is real, life is so hard, but a good gift too!!! I am so grateful for His faithfulness even when I am struggling with Him. His is good and kind. I have come to love that song *Even if you don't* (Mercy Me)(I think!!!). Lord bless you dear lady. SO precious to read your words.