Tag: accountability

Life Full of Limits

Published on by Kim

There are so many options, so many good options, for what we could do each day. Sometimes that is exciting, but often it seems more of a problem.

Recently we were enjoying time with friends and the conversation turned to highlight the possibilities open to one couple and those waiting for the other. One family has four young children, and a priority for this season is raising them well. The other has an empty nest and the ability at this time to see the world and the amazing things it holds. Both of us appreciate the treasure each other has, but also we know that we can’t have both at the same time.

That is real life. We can’t have everything. We can’t do everything. We are finite creatures.

There may be five great things you could do today, but you know you only have time and energy for two or three of them. You may want to start your own business next year, but that means you can’t fully invest in mentoring a young associate at your current company. You may be able to join the team of a new church plant in your neighborhood or take advantage of a year sabbatical to travel the world. Drama practice and soccer practice schedules overlap almost completely. The next two hours could be for running errands or for deep cleaning the pantry.

So we have a choice, both in life and each day.

We can ignore the limits, try to grasp it all, fail in frustration, foster discontentment, and focus on what isn’t. We can keep trying to do everything poorly and nothing well. We can mourn all the missed opportunities, constantly, as they continue coming. We can regret taking the path we did. We can feel like a failure as we focus on the path we didn’t take. We can feed a resentful, coveting, jealous, discontent attitude and pour all our energy on that flame.

OR

We can be thankful for the gift of the life God has already given us, in all the big and small situations and choices. We can trust the wisdom and love of our Father. We can appreciate the options we have now, pray for wisdom, pick one, and live in it today as an act of worship. We can live a limited life in a limited world while turning our eyes to an infinite God of power greater than we can imagine.

Don't Go It Alone

Published on by Kim1 Comment

As we discuss ways to manage our selves and our households well, I want to spend a few minutes on words of warning. As humans, when we strive for excellence, it can be easy to get caught up in the achievement itself (or lack thereof).

We all too often struggle with a skewed perspective. We have to do and be “good enough.” Martin Luther described it this way:

This pernicious opinion of the law, that it justifies and makes righteous before God, is so deeply rooted in man’s reason, and all mankind so wrapped up in it, that they can hardly get out; yea, I myself, have now preached the gospel nearly 20 years, and have been exercised in the same daily, by reading and writing, so that I may well seem to be rid of this wicked opinion; yet, notwithstanding, I now and then feel this old filth cleave to my heart, whereby it comes to pass that I would willingly have so to do with God, that I would bring something with myself, because of which he should give me his grace.

Sisters, you are children of God your Father. In Christ, you are secure and have no need to earn your position or measure up. When you fail in your efforts to manage your household well, all that is at stake is the cup of milk spilt. That is it. Your salvation and identity are not at risk. God’s desire for you is that you serve your family well. And He has already provided all you need for godliness (II Peter 1:3-4). You have what you need! Your efforts, goals, plans and obedience are the outcome of an end already achieved by Him. You are free to live exultingly dependent on His power and grace at work in you.

No matter where you are on the spectrum — looking forward, with your ducks self-righteously in a row (you assume), or wandering, distracted and discouraged with ducklings far afield — I encourage you to lift your eyes. Live as a fully mature child. Your every minute is not allotted to assigned tasks to be completed. Your responsibilities are yours to manage, thriving through the strength God provides. Live in the light of your adoption as a daughter of God.

As a Christian, you are also a vital part of the body of Christ, the church. You will benefit from partnering with your sisters as you grow together (Ephesians 4:16) in Christlikeness. We are all in this together. There is beauty in relying on each other for encouragement and wisdom and accountability. We glorify God as we embrace His plan for His people. Live as a child of God in the body of Christ.