Photos by: @jengarnerphotography

“Should I be doing more?”

I doubtfully asked my husband this very question the other night.

He kindly encouraged me that I am doing exactly what I should be doing. And he went down a list of very important things I am doing that are making an impact. I needed the encouragement but in my heart I still couldn’t wrap my heart around this truth.

We live in a world that is constantly moving, constantly changing, and it’s too hard to keep up with what people are doing. It’s easy to take on a lot in this day and age. I am amazed when I look around and see mamas doing so much and I can find myself envying how much they are able to take on. As moms we wear several hats. I know my days can be quickly filled with volunteering, football practice, book fairs, and parent-teacher conferences.

I have decided this semester to take a step back from some of my previous commitments.  Our life has changed so much since bringing in our oldest and we have learned to adjust to a “new normal” with longer days and a new family routine.

I have decided this semester to step down and not lead a life group this semester but join one. I haven’t done this in years! I have also decided to spend my free time differently during the day. I have made self-care a part of my focus. I want to get back into doing the things I love such as meeting and leading women, being their for new mamas, getting more involved in our local DSS, writing, serving, subbing when I can, and being available to our boys.

Some days insecurity leads me to question if I should be filling my time differently.

Do you ever feel like you should be doing more? How often do you hear those lies that what you’re currently doing isn’t good enough?

These lies weave into our thoughts and it’s exactly where the enemy wants us. When we begin to believe these lies we become paralyzed and stuck- only questioning everything we are doing and not actually doing the very things God has called us to.

What if we started kicking these lies to the curb? I came across this verse the other day and it has change my whole outlook towards what God has called me to do and be.

“With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.” -1 Corinthians 15:58 (MSG)

and the Christian Standard Bible’s version is so good to.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (CSB)

I love that this verse says “be steadfast”.

Being is the state of having existence. And steadfast means fixed in direction.

In other words, keep moving forward in you’re calling against all odds, against your thoughts, and against comparison. What if we started focusing less on the “doing” and began to put more emphasis on what we are “being” in the doing?

Has God called you to be a stay-at-home mom?

Be that. Stick with it. Love those babies. You are doing amazing work.

Has God called you to be a teacher?

You were made for this. Keep loving on those kids. Stay devoted. You are impacting the next generation. We parents, thank you!

Has God called you to lead a non-profit organization?

Stand firm in your purpose and don’t give up!

I can already feel encouraged when I focus less on what I should be doing and focus more on being the best “Chelsie” I can be.

Our minds play tricks on us. The enemy is out there trying to get us to question our purpose, our drive, and our motivation. God says NO. I have called you to be YOU, so be that. I love the phrase, YOU DO YOU.

Let’s be that today. I am going to work on BEING confident in the littlest of things that I do and BEING fully present in them because I know they are making a bigger impact than I can see.

Same goes for you my friend.

Who you are and what you’re doing is enough. Be YOU!