I've been reading about a new trend for 2014. People are giving up the whole New Years Resolution gig and are instead choosing a theme or a word to aim for or focus on for this new year. I like that! I never was one for much New Years resoluting..or resolving…or however I'm supposed to say it. But how do you choose just one phrase or word?? I thought I couldn't do it, but it just happened. BAM. I was debating about what to write about tonight (knowing I owed you all a blog post but not feeling very motivated to write) and it came to me. All my thoughts were sifting around in my brain and one single thing just kept creeping up- “my theme”…
Let Go.
Let go of fear.
Let go of the expectation of others.
Let go of my life.
My life is not my own. I belong to Jesus.
The more I try to hold on and keep up to a standard that the world holds dear the more anguish I feel inside. It's not about what the world says I need or my family needs, it's about what God says and what is important to Him.
His ways are SO MUCH higher than our ways.
Let go of the way I think our life should look.
Let go of the things I think I need.
Let go of the things I want to do.
Our God is a good Father. We can trust Him. He doesn't fill our hearts with His dreams and then not fulfill them. When our hearts are set on Him, when our eyes are focused on Him He WILL lead us. He might not always take the path I think looks best, but really, what do I know? If I know what's good for me I'll let go.
Let go of Mommy guilt.
Let go of what the world says my kids need to be happy.
Let go of the responsibility of creating my children's happiness.
Let go of the lie that my children's relationship with God depends on me.
Before they were our babies, they were His. My kids belong to God. Forget what our culture says is required for a happy childhood. What does God say my kids need? What does God say is important for a child? Those are things to focus on and invest in. If my kids have all the happiness in the world, but their hearts are far from the Lord, what have they gained?
Holding on to my own life is exhausting. So, I've decided to let go. Or, probably much more accurately, I've decided to begin the process of letting go. It's sure to be a daily battle of the heart. 🙂 But, my heart needs it. My heart was made to hold on to Jesus alone. There just isn't enough grippage (is that a word?) to hold on to anything else without losing my grip on Him. You might be thinking it was a big freefall, a big “letting go” when we moved to Ukraine. Yes, that definitely required some big-time letting go, but I know what's in my heart and I know how much I still hold on to. –mostly in regards to mothering. I know there is so much more to be gained from holding more tightly to Jesus. This needs to happen.
What about you? Do you have a theme for 2014?
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Your theme and your thought are so inspiring………… Thank you!
Thank YOU Jan, for your encouragement!
This is one of your best posts. I so struggle with the same issues, especially in regards to mommy guilt.
Thanks for the encouragement. So many people struggle with that! Let it go girl! 😉
Mine: Hope
& this quote:
When given a choice between being kind or being right, choose kind. – Dr. Wayne W. Dyer (from the book “Wonder”)
I love that quote! I need to post that up in my house. -in every room! Ha!
😀 that’s an idea 😉
my word is new. new every morning. behold he makes,all things new….more to come.
Yes! That is so good. Thank God for new beginnings each day.
Kim, this was amazing to read! A-MAZE-ING! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Yes, I will stand with you and let go too! I am right there with you when it comes to worrying about my littles, but God has got them and He loves them more than I do. For what it is worth, I think you are one of the most incredible Mamas I have ever met! You inspire me! 🙂 So, here’s to letting go in 2014!!!! (just please don’t let go of me! hee – hee!) LOVE YOU!
I could never let go of you! I love you tooooooo much! 🙂
Love!!! Thank you for sharing : )
Awww shucks. 🙂 You’re welcome!
Your words are a blessing, Kim. Well said. Letting go and holding on to Jesus (and the lightness that comes along with letting go) brings Matt. 11:30 to mind: For my burden is easy and my yoke is light. So thankful for that!
Oh, and I also have a word for this year! It’s “gentle.” In how I speak, think and treat others. With my kids and husband. With myself. My heart and the hearts of those around me just need more gentleness.
Ooooh gentle. Yes, that is really good too. So much beauty can come from having a gentle spirit.