I need not worry overmuch about the distortions of this world. I do need to be aware that God is here and allow Him through me to reveal Himself to His world. Psalm 11
It's been awhile since I have put fingers to keypad. Like many women, I have overextended myself in the realm of my daily life. I bought into the philosophy that as a contemporary American woman I can do it all. But the truth is, that is one of the greatest fallacies ever to be presented. We can't do it all, no one can. And when we try, the things we love most can get lost in the process.
Unfortunately, this is a reality our media does not like to represent. Instead, our media bombards us with the image of the "Supermom". Have you seen the appliance commercials featuring actress and talk show host, Kelly Ripa? In it, Ripa credits the appliances with helping her to accomplish more in her day, from having the perfect outfit for work, to making a wonderful gourmet dinner for the perfect dinner party, to hosting a fun and fabulous sleepover for her daughter. At the end of the commercials, Ripa states, "With ______ appliances, now you can be even more amazing!" We have this notion that the "perfect" woman (Supermom) goes throughout her day with a careless poise, juggling work, kids, spouse and home, happy and content in her ability to accomplish all things. In reality, there are only so many burners on a stove top. Something has got to give.
I believe that women should have equal choices and opportunities. I am a "career woman". It's a choice I've made, somewhat out of necessity, but also because it's what I wanted. It was a choice that I was able to make. Other women make the choice to support their families within the home. That is a choice I deeply admire and respect. And if I'm being honest, it's a choice that at times I envy.
Choices are important. And I have to stress the word choice. You see, we CANNOT do it all, no matter what the appliance commercials try to tell us!! We have to make choices in our everyday lives about what is important, what is vital, what God is calling us to do with our day. God not only has a purpose for our lives, He has a purpose for each day we awake and choose to get out of bed. If we look for it, we can find a moment, even in the busiest, messiest days, where we can see the hand of God at work. But in order to see that, we have to give up the "Supermom" myth.
We do not honor God when we aspire to do it all. In fact, when we claim to have it all together, to be able to do anything, we are leaving God out of the picture. Paul tells us that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. In fact, Paul goes on to write that he will boast with joy about his weaknesses so that God's power may be even more obvious to those around him. (2 Corinthians 12:9) When we let go of our pride and say, "we can't", it gives God the opportunity to jump in and say, "I CAN!" When we admit that we cannot do it all, then we turn ourselves over to God and to His purposes. And when we turn ourselves completely over to God, then we can be witnesses for the world of God's unfailing power and love.
So, farewell "Supermom"! I can't do it all. But I am determined to let God accomplish His plans through me.
Blessings and Peace,
Sara
Great post and so true! I once heard a wise woman say, "We can't do it all, but we can do a few things to the glory of God."
ReplyDeleteThat's always stuck with me, but you're right, our culture says we can do it all. In fact, I'd even say they tell us that we should do it all.
~FringeGirl
Love it - right on track! If all we've done at the end of the day is love God and love others we've done well!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. Well said. Us pastor's wives have another arena besides mothering and marriage to be perfect in. It's always a temptation to want to do it all, all the while knowing I can't do it all.
ReplyDelete