FRESH THYME
For all you young moms, brides, adult women that are just starting out your life and career, the raising of your children, or just working your way through keeping and managing a home on top of all that life brings you…this is your encouragement this month of June. June used to be traditionally the month for weddings, and I have no idea if it still is or not. But whatever new things you’re beginning, maybe even starting college this fall…this list is what I wish I knew and grasped way back then.
I’m not sure if all of these can be learned without experience, but if they can, I hope it encourages you and saves you some headaches before they happen!
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God can be trusted. I’ve learned that half (or more) of what I say and wish for and beg for among my family and peers doesn’t need to be said at all. God knows my needs, and bringing those needs to him is enough. He has a better way of meeting them than I do, anyway. So if you’ve asked your husband 10 times be more romantic, try praying about. And letting Him speak. If you’ve begged God for direction on a career, try just asking and waiting and progressing one day at a time, trusting Him.
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You don’t need an avocado peeler or knife or seed popper (or many other kitchen gadgets). If your avocado is ripe, the seed will just pop out. A spoon works great for scooping. Save the space in your kitchen drawers for something amazingly useful. Like a butter knife with holes in it. Now, that’s a game changer.
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Dancing to worship music is the best exercise, ever. You won’t feel like it sometimes, but in the kitchen when you’re cooking…dance. When you’re folding laundry, pause and waltz. If you’re home alone and no one is watching, throw up your hands and jump up and down at the beauty of the love of God just for you.
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Chores are manageable. Find your niche and you do you. Maybe you’ll have one washing day a week, change bedding on another day, and meal plan on the weekend. Or maybe you’ll have one day where you do it all. Ask for help when you’re stressed. It’s okay to stuff things away without folding them. And laundry – it’s always a pain – even when the kids are gone. So find a way to smell the clean from the washer, feel the warmth from the dryer, and hang those clothes with joy.
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Comparison is sure death. Her husband will look thinner, and so will she. They will have perfect kids while yours run amuck. Their jobs will seem better, and their house bigger. When you look at these, you’ll feel small and less than. But when you choose to give thanks and never compare, you’re free to do some more of that dancing mentioned above. Enjoy your space and your family and your body.
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Giving thanks elevates every day. Find three things. Or one thing. Or 10 things. Just give thanks, and do it often, out loud to others, upwards to him, and often to those in your circle of friends. There’s something about giving thanks that elevates the mood, lifts the heaviness, and settles the soul. And journaling those thanks is a good way to spend a few minutes each morning.
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Guilt is not a bag you need to carry. It’s too heavy, and shame usually is the heavy chain attached to it, and you don’t need either. Mom guilt is real, so is wife guilt, friend guilt, and self guilt. You’ll never get it all done, you’ll eat too much sometimes, and you won’t do the right thing when parenting, either. Guilt is not the bag to grab. Instead grab forgiveness and move forward. That bag is cute and colorful and a light touch to any outfit.
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You don’t need a Kitchenaid, unless you’re an avid baker. Designer clothes and shoes don’t define you. You don’t even have to visit salons and gyms, either. Use your money for fun with your kids, dates with him, and giving to bless others. And love those shoes from Walmart that you really loved, until you looked at hers. So don’t look.
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Timing is everything. There will be a day when you will have time to shave your legs, make a healthy meal and plate it beautifully, to meet friends for lunch unburdened with what you left undone at home, and read a book without interruption. But those times (when you’re older and the kids are gone) come with other attention grabbers and life interruptions and worries that will attach themselves at any age, if you let them! So know that the time and season you’re in now – there’s grace for it – and it’s there too – a few decades from now. Give yourself grace and receive His.
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Walk it off. It’s healthy. It’s necessary. You can do it with kids in the stroller, with Him beside you, by yourself in a park, at the outdoor mall when it’s good weather, it can be done everywhere all day, every day of the week. And you’ll feel SO GOOD after you do.
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Go on picnics. No, don’t make yourself prepare an Instagram perfect spread unless that’s what you do. You can make a picnic with graham crackers and strawberries, or you can pick up food to go. You can sit at a picnic table or on a blanket, in a park or in your living room, or in the car! But picnic often. Why? Because it’s fun.
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Enjoy shopping. You’re not a bad person if you enjoy getting something new. My goodness, taking care of our homes and families and ourselves is part of who we are and it’s glorious! On a budget? Enjoy what you can spend and spend it joyfully. Have a husband that limits you too much? Go back to #1 on this list, and see what He will do when you pray. Got more than you need? Enjoy shopping for yourself…and others.
I think I could type out a dozen more for you, but I’ll spare you. That’s enough to get you started into adulthood, motherhood, and womanhood…so that life doesn’t send you down the wrong path where you fail to skip and see the beauty of life around you.
You’re amazing, and He is more amazing. And he’s pleased with the woman you are.
