Discouraged over unaccomplished tasks?  Five comforting truths

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Do you ever feel like you’re just not giving enough? 

Unfinished laundry, dirty dishes, and unmade beds are enough to discourage any mom.  But what about other tasks you wish you could perform?

Maybe you feel less than because you can’t get participate in your local Mom’s Day Out.

Or perhaps you feel as if you’re not serving enough in church.  

You meant to send your neighbor a meal when her grandmother passed.

You wanted to host a small group gathering.

But none of these things happened because you’re either still raising kids, working a full-time job, or you’re battling an on-going illness.
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I’ve felt this way time and again – like I’m just not giving enough.

But who puts those expectations on me, anyway?

Discouraged over unaccomplished tasks? Five comforting truths

Sometimes I pressure myself because of what I think others expect from me.  Others in the church, friends, or even family.

So what’s the real deal? Indeed, how do I know if I’m doing enough?

And, how do we know if we’re doing ALL God expects of us?

How can we be sure we’ll hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Mt. 25:21) at the end of our lives?

Five comforting truths for when your list doesn’t get done

1. Jesus gives us daily tasks

That verse stems from a parable Jesus told in Matthew 25.  

It’s (The kingdom of God) also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. (Matthew 25:14-15, The Message)

You see, mama, you are where you are because God put you there.  Whether that means wiping butts and snot or taxiing teens back and forth to ball practice, you are doing what you were meant to do.  Your task is appointed by God, according to your abilities!  How you TREAT your responsibility is what’s important.
 

2. What we do with our tasks is up to us

Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money.  (Matthew 25:16-18)

Maybe you don’t think working a 9-5 job is important, but it’s what you have to do to keep the family afloat.  So while you’re at work, are you doing your best?

Maybe you don’t think rearing toddlers is glamorous (HINT:  it’s not).  Yet, there you are, day after day, answering the same questions and fielding the same squabbles over and over (and over).

And maybe you don’t think to babysit your grandchildren, caregiving of your parents, or even regaining strength in an auto-immune illness is time-worthy.

But it’s where you are right now.  So doing your best, instead of looking for something else to do, is what God expects.

 3. God is always good, even in the issuing of tasks

The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’ Matthew 25:24-25, The Message

Let’s just call it what it is – this servant was lazy!  He believed half-truths, spoke half-truths, and lived a lie.  Because: half-truths?  They’re lies.

Yes, the master had high standards and hated careless ways. He did expect their best.  But that was no reason to be ashamed or afraid of the tasks the servant was given!

And really?  Did the master make no allowances for error?

Is that how you view Jesus – as a tyrant, ready to crack the whip when you make a mistake?

This servant was making his own allowances by excusing himself from even trying at all.   

“I may as well just give up – God expects more of me than I can give.  I’ll never measure up. I’ll never write well enough, cook well enough, mother well enough.  I sin all the time.  God doesn’t really love me.  He can’t use me.  I’m imperfect, and He’s too perfect.”

Do these thoughts ever run through your mind?  If so, STOP NOW.  Believe that God is good, and your work in His strength is all He asks.

 

4. We must stop comparing our lives to others

Now after a long time, the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’

The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master’s investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’ (Matthew 25:19-23, The Message)

Maybe your friend is teaching women’s classes and serving on the fellowship committee at church.  Maybe she just secured a book deal and here you are, pecking out your latest post on Blogspot. 

There’s nothing wrong with vision, but when it transitions to comparison or self-depreciation, it’s time for a long talk with Jesus.

Do you really think you’re where you are because of chance?  Yep, you should definitely strive for your best.  Dream!  Envision where you want to be in the next 5 years!  But don’t leave God out of it – you’re not a victim of circumstance.  Not by a long-shot, my friend

5. Our “right now” is enough

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Mt. 25:23, ESV)

Last fall I attended a blogging retreat with girlfriends I’ve known online for years, but have never met.  These women affirmed my ministry to moms. 

Even though I believe in my ministry, it was sooooo good to hear it from others.  I felt like I had done what I was supposed to do.  And when I climbed out of my car after that weekend, tugging my suitcase behind me, I took a step and this verse popped into my head and wouldn’t let me rest. 

And peace flooded my soul.  

God lead me to the task of writing to you, mama.  But He’s also lead me to caregiving, grand-baby sitting, mothering adults, and wife-ing.

None of these tasks are important than any of the others.  But they are my “right now”.

And in Christ’s strength, I am doing “well”.

What about you, dear mom?  

Are you dismissing your “right now” for a more glamorous, yet unattainable “I wish”?

Please don’t.  Remember, one servant received $5,000. One received $2,000.  And one (last, but not least) received $1,000.

Do whatcha can with whatcha got, girlfriend. The Message states, “If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least?”  

Scripture says we have everything we need in Christ to do God’s will.  Own it, believe it, and keep abiding. God loves you!

Not sure you know what God wants? Wonder how to find time daily to spend with Him? This challenge has your name on it, friend!

Here are some other helpful posts:

10 Ways Bible Study calms overwhelmed moms

7 Verses to Claim today when you’re worried about tomorrow