…and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelations 2:3-4
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Hello there! So I have lots of fun crafty posts coming up soon, but today I wanted to touch on something that has been on my mind (and heart) the last few months.
If you’ve been on my Facebook page lately, you may have noticed a few inquisitive posts such as ‘what crock-pot recipes can you recommend’, or ‘how do you career moms handle it all’, and more in my efforts to stay sane and manage it all. May not necessarily be what you’d expect to find at a crafty blogger’s Facebook page, but in all honesty these are the things that have weighing on my mind lately.
I consider myself to be someone who has been blessed beyond measure, coming out of adversity into amazing blessings–and with such blessings have come much responsibility. ‘To whom more is given, more is required’.
But I’ve asked myself, with all that is required, how can I possibly do it all, do it well, and feel completely satisfied in my life? Something’s gotta give, right? It can’t all be perfect all the time. Right? Well to answer my own question, I can’t do it all, and feel complete bliss—alone. As a born again Christian, I know this to be true down to my core. Without God, I can do nothing.
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How easily we (I) can forget that. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the things of this world, and forget that we are not of this world. We can become so involved in our children, jobs, marriages, hobbies, etc., that we forget our first love. We worry that if we aren’t putting all of these things first in our lives, we will lose them, or at the very least not perform as we should. Don’t get me wrong, these are all good things that deserve our attention and dedication, but the bible says, that we must first seek God, and everything else will fall into place.
‘…but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.’ Matthew 6:33-34
And so I was reminded of this very thing this last week as there were some unexpected changes in my household. But Lord, how could this be, I talk to you every day. I seek you, don’t I? Yeah, I do. But am I putting Him FIRST, above all things? Even my kids, husband, and gasp, job? Nope. Ouch, it hurt to admit that.
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So as I move onward and upward in this life, I find myself having to revisit what my place should be. My goal in this journey is to be that Proverbs 31 woman that God says I should be. Truly fulfill the role for His glory, not mine. Receiving all of His gifts for me, in His time, and not mine.
‘Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.’ Proverbs 31:30
With that said, I am not so gently reminded that I need to go back to my ‘first love’, and remember whom I serve, and who I should live for, and everything else will fall into place.
~ rooms FOR rent ~ says
Hi Barbara, Great post! Something I struggle with a lot. Yes the Lord is Lord of my life, but I feel like I am constantly being torn away from him with life. Just everything and anything that has to do with life, (kids, husband, work, house). It saddens me to think that my relationship with isn’t where I want to be, and I know that it is up to me to change that. But lately I have totally felt in a funk :( Nothing major, nothing bad, but having a hard time being in the word on a daily basis. That’s what I struggle with, just simply spending time with God and in His word on a daily basis. I don’t think I have quite made it through this slump to say happily things have changed, but my heart is longing for more. I love the points you made, and it is so true. Thanks for getting all Jesus-y, because I needed it ;) ~Bre
p.s. LOVE the new look!
Chase the Star says
Bre, thank you SO much for taking the time to leave me such a lovely comment. It’s hard to predict how these posts will be received, so knowing that my getting all ‘Jesus-y’ can encourage you to seek Christ even a little bit more, has totally inspired me! It’s really so difficult to be successful in everything in this life, and that is why we need Him more. I know you know that, as we are having the same struggles–so I’m incredibly grateful for you and others that encourage me in my walk! God bless!
sara @ applestone drive says
Love this post, Barbara! Such a great reminder…it’s so very easy to get caught up in the things of the world. As my father in law recently passed away, I was reminded that this life is but a vapor and to not get caught up in all those things that don’t matter! It’s such a struggle to keep it all balanced but I believe our growth in Christ will surely be a great benefit!
Chase the Star says
Amen and well said Sara. May the Lord comfort you and your family in this time of loss. Thanks as always for stopping by:)
Erin @ Chronic Christian Crafter says
Barbara,
I loved this open and honest post. As a Christian, I think that we can all feel like we aren’t giving him our “first priority” at times…due to life events; and, like you said, we slowly allow family, hobbies, etc. to creep into higher places of priority (not intentionally). For instance, I recently struggled with how much time my blog was taking away from not only my relationship with God, but just family, home, etc. While I love it and everything that I had created with it (friendships made), etc….I decided to take a VERY BIG step back as. It was a big help for me to get recentered (I’m TOTALLY not suggesting this for you)…it just helped me refocus! Feel free to get “Jesus-y” anytime…I felt it was a very honest post, and I appreciated it! BTW…love the knew blog look! Blessings,
Erin
Chase the Star says
Thanks so much Erin! Your encouragement made me smile and warms my heart! Glad we can support one another in this crazy life journey!