“I don’t know how you do it….”

This is a phrase I hear so very often, usually in regards to the number of children I have and whatever I’m in the middle of doing at the time. You see, I’m a mother of 4, aging from almost 2 years old to 7 years old. I work full time, serve at the church in worship/tech/nursery, help my parents/siblings/grandparents and a few other side things I won’t bore you with.

So needless to say, I’m busy. However, I’m busy because I choose it. I’m ADHD so being still is NOT my thing. The more I have to do, the more I tend to thrive, and the easier it is to ignore what I don’t like/want to do or deal with. Being still is hard. Being still is boring. Being still though, is important and so simple! Often, the simplest things are the hardest, and what we fight most.  Why is that?  Well, usually it correlates with fear. Fear of responses, reactions, the unknown variables.  So we often avoid it, and try to just focus on what we want, what makes us happy, and what is easy in our view point.

Now back to my least favorite, but most understandable phrase, “I don’t know how you do it.” It isn’t easy, but simply put, I don’t do it alone. God provides everything so I can do all of these things. At church, we have our church family who help tend to our children so we can serve. My family helps us out with childcare so we can work and provide for our home.  My older children are helping the younger ones learn and grow which gives me time to tend to my house needs and making meals.  It’s inspiring at times to see how God brings it back in full circle when you’re following His will, and not your own.

You see, these areas in life that take sacrifice what I wanted to do or how I envisioned life would be are not and would not be my first choice.  If I’m being completely transparent, I fought most of it for a while. It was a true battle because I was so busy and distracted (and hate making extra commitments) I couldn’t see the value or hear His voice or see His path. It wasn’t what I had planned.

Which is when I knew it was past time….past time to be still, to stop focusing on what I wanted to focus on and to listen. It’s so much easier to talk, than to listen…am I right?

So I have three thoughts to leave with you. First, how do you do it? Day in and day out, something keeps you going, moving forward and continuing to push you to grow beyond yourself. Secondly, are you taking the time to be still and give in? Do you take that deep breathe and say show me, or guide me Lord. Lastly, do you notice the value and reward of simply saying yes to Him and no to yourself?  Mark gave the example towards the end of his sermon Sunday of simple love being shown. It seems so silly, but think, if you don’t get enraged at that person who cut you off on the interstate, yes you’ve shown that person love and they may not ever know; but more importantly for you, what value and reward did you receive from showing God’s love? I can say growth in patience, and maturity in being understanding. So when you are at your breaking point, slow down, take a deep breathe, and look for the value and reward he has given you and continues to guide you to.

Stephanie Eskridge