Hard, Hard Choices
Today I’ve made some really hard choices. First, I had to wake up my daughter, bundle her up in a blanket, and tuck her in her car seat for my husband to take her to the babysitter’s house. She goes one day a week. (Sometimes two.) But it rips at my gut. The babysitter, Kayleigh, is great, and Alyssa loves going over there. Kayleigh’s kids are in school, so Alyssa gets undivided attention. They bake and make crafts. (But deep down I want to be the one doing all those things!)
When Alyssa is at the babysitter I work really hard to get as much written as possible and to get caught up on laundry. The uninterrupted writing time really makes a difference. Still . . . can’t a mom do it all? I want to try. The toughest part is accepting the fact that I’m limited. [< -- Click to tweet!] I cannot do it all (at the same time), and I'm making a good choice for my toddler and my publishers. I feel God led me to this choice, as hard as it is.
Today I had to make another hard choice, too. I had to step away from two online writing organizations I love. I’m doing it out of a step of obedience.
When I prayerfully asked God to show me what I need to take off my plate so I could focus on my book contracts and my family, it was so clear what I had to do. I even dragged my feet for a couple of days. Sigh.
But in the end, I’m following God. He knows the future. He knows what’s in store. I have to trust Him in that. [< -- Click to tweet!] I wish I could have an unlimited supply of energy, but I don't.
And in the end I have peace that God is directing my path. I turn to Him in prayer, and He does answer. It’s my job to continue to follow.
Making the hard choices is exactly that, but it is always the right thing to do. Almost always, we end in a much better place too. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
I recently wrote a similar post over at Homeschool Mosaics. Sometimes you just have to say “no” to things – even things that are good!
There is only 1 you! 🙂
Tricia,
I believe there are many writers who are exhausting themselves physically and ruining relationships by trying to do it all, particularly in the area of social media. I commend your obedience.
Many things are good, but not all are best. God gives us different seasons in our lives, and we must choose what is the best now and then the good now may be the best later. This is from an older mom who didn’t always choose the best, I settled for the good too often and there are always those regrets. My children are now 20, 19, 19, and 16 and I wouldn’t take anything for our times together. Now, I can see about all those “good” things I might want to have done or others wanted me to do and make them the absolute best. Choose wisely, God will show you if you continue to lean on Him. He is good.
Always Experiencing Him,
Jody
It’s hard for me to make those choices, to cut things. But I know I can’t do it all. The most important things is that I follow what God calls me to do. He will ensure I get everything done that He wants for me. Great post!
This 100% spoke to my heart. Thanks Tricia.