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The Important Things


A couple of days ago I read a post from one of my favorite pastors/speakers/writers Chris Caine. Many of you may know her from all the recent (and long overdue) media exposure she's getting for the A21 Campaign against Human Trafficking.  The post was about all the chaos that comes in the days and weeks leading up to kids heading back to school. She had been shopping all over for certain pieces to complete her daughters' school uniforms. Her daughters expressed the seriousness of having all the "right" things to complete their looks. You know that phrase, "Mom, I HAVE to have those shoes. I'll just DIE if I don't get that headband. Everyone will laugh at me if I don't get this or that!" Chris found herself racing all over town, visiting store after store to make everything "perfect" for her girls when she remember what were truly the important things. I've copied this from that post:


"In order for my girls to navigate life well, I better teach them how to:
Ensure the belt of truth is buckled tightly around their waist
Attach the breast plate of righteousness securely
Have their feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace
Take up the shield of faith
Put on the helmet of salvation
Pick up the sword of the Spirit and use it effectively"


That's so profound for me! In the midst of the chaos of back-to-school shopping and worrying about matching outfits with shoes, keeping hair looking nice, and all-in-all just trying to "keep it all together", she points out what is TRULY important.


Tonight, I sit here looking around at my house. Picking my brain to make sure I haven't forgotten anything for Olivia's first day of school (full days here, people!). I had this whole "plan" in my head. Remember, I'm a planner, a list-maker, aka a control freak! My plan was that my house would be cleaned and put back together after an incredibly busy summer. Closets would be cleaned out and organized. Clothes would be put away. Laundry would be back to a normal routine. Clothes laid out. Bags packed. What is reality? I'm sitting here looking at toys scattered, a trail of laundry into the laundry room, dishes in the sink, a mess on the counters, and kids FINALLY in bed 30minutes to an hour LATER than planned. The good news? Kids are clean. Full tummies. Clothes picked out. Lunch for Olivia is made. Bags are packed. Overall, I can't worry about the little things. I HAVE to focus on what's important. And that is my family is healthy, happy, and blessed! Sure, it's easy to worry about the little things. The key is not to fret over them. There will always be time for a clean house. Probably after my kids are grown and not living at home anymore! But then, what to do with Scott?! Just kidding! But seriously, I'm reminded of a saying from my Dad. It drives all the women in our family crazy, but it's true. "You're worrying about the WRONG thing (or thang, in his words)!"  I've got to make sure I'm not worrying about the wrong thing, or even worrying at all. Trust in the Lord, for He is GOOD!

One day my kids won't be around all the time to make messes. One day they won't have piles and piles of laundry at my house for me to keep up with. One day I won't have to make lunches and snacks for them. Or pick out their clothes. Besides, Olivia barely lets me do that anymore! One day I won't get to read them bedtime stories and tuck them in with kisses.

For now, I'll take the dirty laundry, dishes, messes, and chaos. I love my family more than anything, and THAT'S what's important. Thank you Jesus for a healthy, happy, and blessed family! Without the love of God, we have nothing!

Comments

  1. MorganGSeptember 6, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    Steph, this idea completely hit home with me last week as I was reading about Mary and Martha. I constantly am having to keep myself from making lists and obsessing over everything being perfect. I love what Christine says about keeping in mind what is truly important, not what we think is. Just like Jesus said to Martha: "She has chosen what is better...". Thank you for posting this and reminding me once again how crucial it is for us to have hearts like Mary. Time is flying by and I sure don't want to miss out on anything bc I was too busy! by the way, Olivia looked 16 in the picture you took! She is BEAUTIFUL! Love you

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  2. Stephanie WrightSeptember 7, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Morgan, so glad one of my posts spoke to you! You too will soon understand how easy it is to get swept up by the "busy mom" life! Christine had another post yesterday about taking time out that also hit home for me! I have to slow myself down sometimes and just get everything back into perspective!
    Thanks for the comment on Olivia's picture! Love you! xo

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