I am finding that seriously pursuing a dream takes an enormous amount of time! I have dabbled in my dream for years, but with the writing conference looming just over a month away, my dream has taken on an entirely different level of commitment. Suddenly, things that used to come easily, like grocery shopping, cleaning the house, and making time for summer fun with the kids, have become virtually impossible to get done. My husband very sweetly, and cautiously asked me if I was doing laundry anymore. I had not even noticed the mountain range of dirty clothes being formed in the laundry room.
Balance – the word I keep chanting. Must find a balance. I am not a very structured person by nature, so this process of pursuing my dream is stretching me in yet another way – I am having to become more structured. I am so not there yet, I have simply identified what I need to do.
I found myself becoming bitter party of one last week when I was continually telling my kids “no” to all the summer fun things they wanted to do, when I had to go to the store to get food, and when the mess in the kitchen could no longer be ignored. I don’t want to allow bitterness to steal my joy along this journey, so I am trusting God to help me get it all done, and to rest in Him when I can’t. I am realizing that things will not get done exactly as they have in the past, my kids will have to step it up a little more and help out with house stuff, and I will have to be more purposeful in my daily plan.
I refuse to give bitterness and stress the victory in this battle. I will trust the God who gave me this dream, and lean on Him as I walk along this path.
I had to smile at the “Jesus Calling” devotional for today: “Let Me help you get through this day…..You will get through this day one way or the other. One way is to moan and groan, stumbling along with shuffling feet. This will get you to the end of the day eventually, but there is a better way. You can chose to walk with Me along the path of Peace, leaning on Me as much as you need. There will still be difficulties along the way, but you can face them confidently in My strength.”
Let’s walk with Him and SEE what He will do.
Do you have any tips on maintaining balance between pursuing your dream and managing the daily routine of life? If so, I would love to hear them!
Jennifer Bleakley
Animals are my love language. Sharing stories of hope is my passion.
Schedule the time you will write. If you feel inspired at another time jot down a quick note to refer to later. Turn the phone and email off and spend undivided time with your family. The children will be gone before you know it and squandered time can not be retrieved. Alone time with your husband now will keep the bond strong between you when it is just the two of you again. Believe it or not, the writing can and will wait. You will have better perspective and freer thinking if you add a little order. God put all the universe in order from nothing. He can help you with this in your life and help you stick with it. Praying for you, my friend.
Such great words of wisdom. Thank you very much.