What happens when a dream in your heart never comes to fruition? What do you do as a mom when your kids’ needs constantly come first so you never have time to do what you love? How do you reclaim time in your day to pursue your passions? And…
Does it even matter?
That last question stopped me cold recently: Does it even matter? I mean, I know my writing "matters", but why?
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. (1 Cor 12:4-5 NLT)
God is in the business of helping people, and he cares deeply that we use our talents to lift others up. So if we're not using them, it's kind of like saying, "Sorry God. I've got other things to do."
Now, most of us don’t intentionally mean that. It’s not like I’ve stopped blogging to spite God. But I have stopped…because I don’t have time!
I was convicted by my "lack of time" recently; and because I want to be honoring to God (and I want to help people!), I need to make time. But where to begin...?
For starters, I need to address the WHY behind my passion, and you do too. If we believe that what we're doing doesn't matter, then we'll never start!
This made me think about my kids. Each one of them has incredible talents that will one day change the people around them. Heck, they’re already helping others because they inspire ME every day!
How would I feel, then, if my daughter – who is a very gifted writer – came up to me and said, “I’m not gonna write anymore, mom. It doesn’t really matter.”
I’d be ticked! I may even throw a pencil at her! (kidding) My frustration would stem from knowing the truth – that her gifts are incredibly important because they help people.
God is saying the same thing to us. It doesn't matter if you write, bake, STEM, or paint. THIS is your why.
Next, come up with a plan. I know this is hard for moms and creatives alike because A) kids suck the energy right out of you, and B) creativity doesn't happen on exhaustion (or on a to-do list). BUT, if we don't strategize our passions, they'll stay stuck in that sticky conglomeration of 'nothingness', like cotton candy. (I hate cotton candy.)
So here’s what to do:
1. Analyze your calendar.
Like, REALLY look at it. What days are less full? When are you doing things that you don’t have to? And what are they?
2. Delegate.
Offload some of those unnecessary responsibilities onto a neighbor, spouse, or child. (Do it. It feels good. And your child needs to learn responsibility anyway.)
3. Create a plan.
Craft out a specific time of your day or week when you'll do whatever it is that makes you come alive! Then...
4. JUST DO IT!
Nike the crap out of that passion! Craft, volunteer, sing, play the piano, sew on a button...Whatever it is that brings you joy, do it as though you were extending your gift to God.
Maybe you’ll only do this plan for two months before hatching another one, but at least you will have started.
For me, I realized that Wednesdays are my “golden days”. I don’t have to drive my kids anywhere and I have more flexibility with work, so this is my day to write!
Sometimes God shows us several things that need to change at once. Sometimes it’s one hairline fracture. Either way, when he's behind us, our tiny offering will reap eternal dividends.
So, let’s hold each other accountable and be the change we wish to see in our own lives so we can then help others. Let’s commit to doing one small thing toward whatever goal we have this week, so our kids, and the other people around us, can see that our passions DO MATTER, because they matter to God.
Let's go!!
