We’re six weeks into this year and, truthfully, I’m a little worn out. I’m (barely) an extrovert, but the beginning of 2019 has required a lot from me relationally while parenting has sucked my mental capacity.
I found an empty package of gummy bears in the van the other night after a long day that had us going well past bedtime. Now, my van is far from perfectly clean, but the trash was evidence one of my kids didn’t obey an earlier request to stop eating candy. I’m not strict when it comes to food around here, but disobedience is disappointing.
The small moment was a breaking point for my emotions in the midst of lots of other things going on. I yelled and cried and doubted myself. I overreacted and then later regretted doing so.
I wanted to make plans to restore order, but
what I really needed was to draw nearer to God.
The next morning while still processing one act of disobedience that led to a flood of emotions about many other moments, Greg told me I was believing lies about my role as a mom and my identity in Christ. He reminded me I was forgetting what I knew to be true about our values, our kids, and our purpose. He helped me regain perspective in the midst of the weariness.
“By progressive transforming grace, he is enabling you to live the brand-new life he calls all of his children to live – the Godward life for which you were created. You don’t have to hide in guilt when weak faith gets you off the path, because your hope in life isn’t your faithfulness, but his.”
– Paul David Tripp in “New Morning Mercies”
My human heart and mind are prone to wander. I believe lies, try to control situations, and expect too much from myself and others. But then the light seeps through the cracks and I remember what God has for me.
Here are four ways to bring the truth to light on a hard day:
1. Read God’s word. Our circumstances change, even relationships have seasons, but God’s word and character don’t change.
2. Talk to someone you trust who knows you. My husband has seen me at my worst but believes in my best. He knows my tendencies and weaknesses. I have other friends who are in similar seasons of me that can also speak truth into my days.
3. Stop scrolling. When I’m emotionally drained, I tend to absent-mindedly scroll on my phone. But then I get frustrated about things that don’t matter. I’ve been trying to read a book instead of scroll when I have pockets of time when I’d like my mind to be engaged in something that isn’t my life.
4. Remember God’s faithfulness. Literally list what God has done for you – today and yesterday. And know he’ll do it again tomorrow.
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If you’ve had a hard day, one when the truth is blurry, I have a gift for you: Here’s a playlist I created. It’s labeled FAITHFUL in my iTunes, mostly because God is faithful. We can believe what he says about who we are and be confident that he will continue the work he’s already begun in us.
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