I finally did it!
Though I feel the need to check on my parents each day, I MADE MYSELF stay home one day! Yes, just ONE day out of 7, I stayed home the entire day.
Since June, my house has been sorely neglected. I try to keep the beds made on most days and I make sure my family has clean clothes to wear … but then there were things like this sitting around:
Mail stacked up on this spot 24/7.
More mail on dining room table. Big calendar for our Corn Maze season that is rapidly approaching. Handy Dandy calculator — just waiting for me to pay bills. Weight Watcher cook book. Uh, you can tell IT is being utilized, eh?
This stack of clothes had been hidden on a quilt rack behind our door. Out of site, out of mind. Sigh …
That is how I have felt lately.
Things might look nice on the outside, but inside — piles of clutter.
Clutter like:
- Guilt: I can’t run two houses well. My own house has been neglected. I am neglecting quiet time with the Lord. My daughter has spent each day this summer caring for my parents. When does my husband have my undivided attention? How do I have any energy left for him?
- Weariness: I really would like a day with no responsibilities. Even saying that makes me feel guilty and selfish.
- Concern: Trying to work out a lot of details for my parents.
So, I mentioned the ONE day I stayed home.
I attacked the clutter!
Wow, there was a counter and a table under all of that mail!
Now that the physical clutter is under control, I must continually capture my thoughts and overcome the spiritual clutter in my mind with the TRUTH of God’s Word.
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
I can’t be three places at once! No sense in condemning myself for not being a super-human who can meet everyone’s needs. I have to trust that God is going to order my steps and He will provide for my parents. He loves them more than I ever could. Things WILL get accomplished!
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
I need to run to God daily. Sometimes it is hour by hour or minute by minute. Father, here I am. I need YOU and I can’t do ANYTHING without you!
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
I am SO THANKFUL for God’s Word! I am thankful for my husband and his understanding for lack of home-cooked meals this summer. I am thankful for our daughter’s sweetness and her willingness to spend her days following me from one appointment to the next.
I appreciate any prayers you send our way. Bless you!
Today I am happy to link with Darlene at Time-Warp Wife for {TITUS 2}SDAYS!
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My sweet friend, I’m praying God’s grace for you. I remember feeling the exact same way when dealing with my Mom (and my kids spent all their time hanging out at their grandparents with nothing to do.) Its a very tough season. I pray for peace and strength on you and your family. Let me know if I can help. Love you
Been struggling lately with the same issue. God is showing me that it’s okay to set some boundaries and that I can’t be all things to all people. I love how He loves me like that! Be of good courage.
Thank you Donna!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Your words were kind. I appreciated your connection with the inside feelings of house and heart. So many days I look at the laundry pile creeping up my basement stairs and wonder if that’s how God sees my heart and wanderings. Thanks for the reminder to clean-up! Have a great day and saying a prayer for you!
So happy you could take a day to catch up. I had my mother-in-law living with me and I understand the pulling in all directions. I will be praying you will find grace beyond anything you would have imagined.
Thank you! I appreciate your prayers!
Even though I am not a wife or mother I can understand how you feel when it comes to being in 3 places at once. Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything and be everywhere and then you feel guilty when you need a little you time. thanks for posting this and I’ll be praying for you
blessings Maryanna
Thank you Maryanna. I appreciate your prayers. <3
i’m not sure if this will help but there was a time my mom took care of her parents…appointments, shopping, lunch out, hospital stays everything. She had my dad, retired, occupying Grandpa. But every where mom went she had three things in a little tote…a Bible, a Christian book of some sort and her journal. She kept quotes from the Bible and the book. She used Psalm 23 by Keller until the pages were falling out. But you’d probably find the book that fit you. All her time that she could she was reading and writing while keeping an eye and ear open for Grandma who had dementia
I read your bio and it said you’re a worshiper and an intercessor. I am also a worshiper but long to be an intercessor with consistency.
Beautiful and wonderful advice. I have taken books when in the emergency room (because those types of visits can be so long), but when I am with my Mom — she wants to talk. With technology today, I am grateful to have the bible and other biblical applications like “Adoration” on my iPhone (which is always with me).
Thank you for your sweet comment!
This is a hard season for you my friend. Praying His grace, strength and peace will be with you as you work out all of these details.
Thanks Barbie. I have no doubt God is carrying me. Love you.
Beth, I so can relate to what you are going through!
Loved this post! And I know our Heavenly Father is going to see you through this and He will be your strength when you feel you have none left! (I know!)
Love and Blessings!!
~Beth
I know you can Beth. Thanks Sister! God is carrying me step by step. Bless you!
What a great post – a conflict I know many of us deal with on a daily basis. LOVE the contrast of before and after shots and God bless you for sharing both 🙂
Be blessed,
Debbie (so glad to find you through Mothers on Mission and happy to follow 🙂