expectations.

The holidays are coming up! My favorite time of year. But lately, I haven't been feeling too much "peace on earth" and definitely haven't had many "silent nights". HA! 

I know I'm not alone in this, as it seems to be a theme among my mama friends as well. A sense of overwhelming-ness (is that a word?) that we just can't seem to shake. And I think I've pinpointed that feelings. It's a whisper that says "do more, be more, do more, be more". And it's always speaking to me.

That little whisper seems to affect me a lot. It doesn't let me sit down often. At the end of the day so many times Ryan says "Love, come sit down with me! Let's just relax!" but I'm scurrying away tidying up dinner or straightening the house. Other times I feel the pressure to craft, bake, sew, create with my kids NONSTOP. Engage them, educate them, etc. I mean hello, we're supposed to be a Pinterest mom, right??

NO. NO. NO.

Since when did I let these wordly expectations creep in? It wasn't until this week I discovered they were tucked in there, but I had to get to the bottom of the discontented feeling I was battling.

And you know what I realized?

GOD says
"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I'M GOD".

But when I listen to that little voice, I don't give myself a chance to do so. 

I miss God so often, due to myself DOING MORE & attempting to BE MORE.

GOD says
"YOU ARE ENOUGH. COME REST IN ME."

And finally, I can take a deep breath and breathe Him in.

PEACE. REST. ACCEPTANCE. LOVE.

Ladies, God isn't calling us to perfection or Pinterest-esque lives. The expectations we have for ourselves keep us from hearing HIS still small voice that says to slow down and be thankful for what we have. It says we're enough and we don't have to do anything besides follow after him. It says to stop trying so hard to be a GOOD mom and just focus on being a GODLY one; to seek JOY instead of momentary happiness in earthly things.

The last few days I've focused on being still and letting God speak to my heart. I spent more time outside and less time obsessing over housework. I spent less time on structure and more on cuddles and kisses and staring at my beautiful babies. I spent less time on social media! I spent more time feeling His presence in the breeze, singing worship, and loving my life AS IT IS THIS VERY MOMENT.

Let's let go of our expectations that make us feel like we can't rest, can't stop, can't ever be enough. And be still long enough to KNOW that
He is GOD
 and in Him
WE ARE ENOUGH.