When the dishes are piled up.

When the laundry hasn’t been folded in 3 weeks.

When the layer of dust on the bookshelf is definitely noticeable.

When the loaf of bread on the counter is molded.

When the pile of to-do lists and bills and receipts on the desk just climbs higher and higher.

When the refrigerator looks like something exploded in it.

When I am carrying around an extra 10 pounds.

When that pimple won’t go away.

When I just feel like life is passing me by and I can’t catch up.

When my perfect world never happens…

I don’t know about you, but some days my mind just keeps adding to the list above. Almost mocking me to try to be content. To try to do better. To try to keep up. To try to enjoy life.

I feel lost, discouraged, and tempted to curl up in a ball and cry.

In such a fast-paced world where responsibilities are endless but sleep and rest definitely aren’t, let us remember a couple things.

1. God doesn’t judge me by how clean my house is.
2. My worth is not in what I can do, but in who I am because of Christ!
3. I can’t do everything, and I am the only one who actually expects me to be able to do everything. God knows I can’t. My husband knows I can’t. My friends know I can’t.
4. Self-care is vital, not optional. Am I eating well? Am I making time for the things and people that matter? Am I treating my mind and body the way I should?
5. It doesn’t matter so much about where I am, but where I am going. Perspective matters. Eternity > Here & Now.
6. God brought me to this place for a reason. I must not lose the joy of the now wishing for the next thing.
7. I am the greatest Christian somebody knows. I must be careful not to ruin my testimony by complaining, gossiping, or giving up.
8. Accepting the duties of the everyday is key to being fulfilled and complete.
9. Stuff doesn’t make me a better or more accomplished person. “Keeping up with the Joneses” is tiring.
10. Perfect isn’t possible. Perfectly imperfect is.

Dear Reader, I challenge you to find ONE positive thing in every challenge you’re currently facing. God has a purpose. Don’t let the devil win the battle by overwhelming you with negative thoughts and a distorted perspective.

Photo creds: Yours truly