Gimme a Break

Lately, this commercial has been running through my mind. Do you remember it?

I could just say that I’ve been eating too much too late at night–maybe too much chocolate. But I know all too well that God uses the simple things to remind me of His love for me.

You see, lately I’ve been too hard on myself. I’m entering a new season in my life–motherhood, and I’m feeling a little ill-prepared.

• Inexperienced.
• Inadequate.
• Unqualified.

I haven’t struggled with my perfectionism in awhile, and these feelings have actually taken me by surprise. Old issue–new circumstances.

The first week was really a struggle for me. I beat myself up for forgetting hand wipes, for not bringing snacks and water on long car rides, you name it. All seemingly minor details blown up in the “shoulds” of my mind. I should be able to … I should know how to …

Then I remembered the Kit Kat commercial, especially the part that goes, “Break me off a piece of that Kit-Kat bar!” (You know the tune.)

I had to step back and take an objective look at my situation: I am a new mom. I have gone from zero children to five adoptive children–three of which are already in my home. This is uncharted territory for me–definitely a step of faith. If anything, I shouldn’t know how to do these things–I have never traveled this road before.

This is an opportune time for my perfectionism and unrealistic expectations to rent space in my head.

But I’m not letting them. I’m giving myself a break.

God will never let me be pushed past my limit, and He will always be here to help me come through the ups and downs of whatever situation I face (1 Corinthians 10:13). I refuse to discount the small steps I am taking. Instead, I rejoice with God every time I take a step in the right direction (Zechariah 4:10). Even more, I treasure the little rewards along the way:

• Hugs and kisses from my children.
• The way they call me “mommy princess.”
• Their prayers thanking God for this family.

It won’t be easy, but I can do it (Philippians 4:13)! God is cheering me on. He is on my side (Romans 8:31).

Gimme a break, gimme a break, break me off a piece of God’s grace and love. 

 

Come alongside… How about you? In what areas of your life do you have unrealistic expectations? How can you give yourself a break?