“I feel so guilty. I haven’t made a decent meal all week. I had to tell my daughter no, we don’t have money for her to have a huge birthday party with all her friends. And my work is piling up on my desk.”
Judy “um-hum” and then cleared her throat. “And … just what is it you’ve done wrong?”
“Excuse me?” I asked. “What do you mean?”
“The way I see it,” she commented. “You’re trying your hardest. You’re seeking God, and giving your best to your kids. You’re not doing anything wrong. In fact, sounds like “false guilt” syndrome is robbing your joy!”
My jaw dropped open at Judy’s words. She was right. I was doing my best, but sometimes my best didn’t seem good enough. More importantly, I didn’t have joy—not joy as a mother nor joy in any other area of my life—because I was focused on what wasn’t “perfect” rather than all the good things in my life.
That day, Judy gave me one of the best gifts ever. My friend stood up to my defense and declared, “Not guilty, Your honor!” It was just what I needed to hear.
How about you? Do you need help axing the guilt out of your life?
Share yours…and starting tomorrow I’ll be offering six tips (one a day) that helped me AX THE GUILT!
Friends are awesome!
I tend to feel guilty when I have to buy groceries. We’re on a very tight budget, but sometimes we just need things. And the things we need tend to be needed all at once- like diapers and wipes and this and that and everything always run out at the same time.
I have to remind myself that I’m not being frivolous, and that God knows what we need and He will provide.
Thanks for that post!
I just wrote an article on mommy guilt! We all go through it. I just remind myself (and my kids) that I’m only one person, and I’m doing the best I can.
Oh, sistah friend! Did I need YOU TODAY!
1) My pain meds prevent me from rising early (5:30) with my hubby to fix him breakfast.
2) My kids compete with my reviewing projects for my attention (they are 14 & 18)
3) House stays so cluttered because I can’t do as much due to pain (and reading!)
4) Can’t solve their issues–the kids–they bicker so much it drives me nuts!
5) Fighting to stay within household budget after I had to leave my job to be home full-time.
The list is ENDLESS! I’m not a writer, just a reviewer, but the time it takes eats away at my day. I love what I do, but I FEEL SO GUILTY DOING IT, as it isn’t a paying gig.
Help me, Tricia Goyer…Jesus is my only hope!
Definately what I needed to hear today. Thanks for the reminder. I never seem to get it all done and can’t seem to keep our homeschool schedule, especially since my elbow injury a few weeks ago. Guilt is an easy trap to fall into.