Life Lately (& Grace, Again)

I’m weary from the journey, friends. The last few weeks I have entered in to a season of uphill steps. It’s nothing too dramatic, especially compared to many challenges people face. Maybe you can relate. For me, fairly simple frustrations or tasks often compound quickly and, if I give in to it, life can suddenly feel overwhelming and cumbersome. 

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s been on my plate:

• Start of a new school year for my daughter (i.e. changes in schedule, transition)
• Tech weeks for my husband’s musical (80+ hour work weeks for him)
• Prepping for ACFW Conference (hope/stress to connect with an agent)
• In the middle of my busy season at work
• Chronic PMDD (though being managed with meds)
• Struggling with my weight and maintaining healthy habits
• Battling worry over things my daughter has said recently about her own self-esteem

My main reason for sharing this with you is to admit I don’t have it all figured out. It’s so easy to write upbeat, encouraging posts about life or share writing tips and favorite books we’ve been reading. Those are great and hopefully you enjoy reading those posts. But we can go deeper, can’t we?

Going deeper is constructive. That’s exactly what I hope to do here with you. My prayer is that you read this post and think to yourself Right on, girl. or Thank goodness it’s not just me! No, it’s not just you. It’s not just me. This situation of life is full of mountains to climb, presenting us with–at times–a frantic search for strongholds, grooves on which to place our hands and feet so we don’t slip and fall. Right now, the tips of my fingers ache as I’m holding on for flatter ground. I’ll get there. So will you.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because
He cares for you.  (1 Peter 5.7)

The other reason I’m sharing today? Because when we attempt to paint a picture of our lives being without fault, fear, challenges, disappointments, etc. then we diminish our need for a Savior. I need Jesus. Every single day. Each of those bullet points above are only drops in an overflowing bucket of reasons I need Him. Don’t get me wrong. I am blessed beyond belief, and I know it. I’m thankful for so many things. But my sinful nature often convinces me that it’s okay to wallow in my insecurities and failures. I am equally, if not more grateful for the things in this life that bring me to my knees in front of the only One who can wash the struggle and sin away.

These things I have spoken to you,
so that in me you may have peace.
In the world you have trials, but
take courage; I have overcome the world.
(John 16.33)

There is great humbleness in realizing our need for being saved. I know friends who have struggled with not feeling worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice. They’re right. None of us deserve it. Not one of us are worthy of being saved. That is grace. (Yes, grace again, friends.) Grace can’t be earned, but is freely given. Don’t you find that mind-blowing? Even though I’m not worthy, Jesus took my sins to the cross with him. He takes my worry, my weariness, my fatigue, my selfishness, my anxiety. And He never asks for a break.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me,
all of you who are weary
and carry heavy burdens and
I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11.28)

This week, today, I need this reminder. I’m tired and a bit out of steam. But Jesus sees me. He sees you. He’s offering a hand to steady my steps, strong arms to carry my tired heart, and promise of never leaving my side. I hope you hear these words today and write them on your heart, too.

How are you doing this week? What are your struggles, worries, fears, steep climbs? This is a community where I hope you know you’re safe to share. I’d be honored to pray for you. Thanks for letting me share what’s going on in my life lately.