The "Shoulds"

Do you struggle with the “shoulds”?

You know, when you sit down to enjoy some time alone because the kids are asleep, or with grandma, or with their dad outside. But then you think, “Is there something I should be doing right now?”

Those shoulds.

I’m feeling it right now. Heavily.

I should be doing the dishes.

I should be mopping the kitchen.

I should be doing some laundry.

I should be making lunches for tomorrow.

I should (insert your should here).

I am feeling it right now, even though this is something I desire to do. I love to write, journal, and share my thoughts. This is one way in which I am able to recharge my batteries, so to speak.

Before I started typing, I made myself sit and feel it--those shoulds. Because I wanted to recognize the difference between should and should. You see, yes, I could go do the dishes, or mopping, or laundry, or lunches. But I should also enjoy the few moments alone.

Because those moments are rare. The dishes, and mopping. The laundry, and the lunches. Those will all get done too, and at no sacrifice. But this should moment I’m having and taking to write is becoming a blessing.

Because while I am sitting here shoulding, I am also remembering just how grateful I must be to have all those shoulds piling up.

These few moments to reflect are important to keep things in perspective. I could gripe and grumble about the things that are piling up, skip this calming activity, and go get those shoulds done and over with.

But I’m choosing to take a few minutes, to feel the burden, and remind myself that it’s not a burden.

This life I’ve created is a blessing in which I am able to serve my family so very well. I’m not the best at it, and I never will be, but I wake up each morning, remind myself that God’s grace covers the mess-ups, and keep on going with the simple request, “God, help me serve my family well today.”

I take the time to complete the shoulds, and I take the time to pray over the people that those shoulds effect.

Dear Lord, thank you for the meal that we ate off these plates. May it continue to nourish our bodies, and fill our hearts with the reminder of the time well spent together.

Dear Lord, please bless all those who walk across my kitchen floor this week. Help them to see that you are their foundation, and their rock. Remind me, when I feel shaky, that you are the one in which I can rest my weary heart.

Dear Lord, thank you for E, T, and Shawn. Thank you for giving me a family that loves me. As they wear each of these items of clothing, protect them, guard them, and keep them in your protection. Remind them of your love, and help them to show it to others.

Dear Lord, please bless the food in these lunches. Please allow it to be sufficient for tomorrow’s appetite, and needs.

Dear Lord… please be with the momma reading this. Let her see you today. Let her feel you right now. Let her know that these shoulds are not a burden but a blessing. Shift her thinking, if necessary. Help her to embrace these shoulds.

In your Son’s precious name,

Amen