A friend of mine recently pointed out that she didn’t have any “extracurriculars.” No blog. No part time work. No side business. “I’m just a mom,” she said almost insecurely. “Should I be doing something else?”
I don’t think being a mama is “just” anything, but that’s another post.
Conversely, I’ve lately heard from those in ministry – myself included – and other lines of work a collective and weary, “I need to pull back.” I’m absolutely astounded at how this need for calm has resounded from so many people, few of whom are connected to each other. We’re busy and overwhelmed. There’s pressure and it’s often self-imposed.
But we press on – why? Why press on when our souls are screaming for rest?
While for some of us bowing out just isn’t an option, I suspect there are countless others who hold on to unnecessary burdens because of fear.
Fear of disappointing others.
Fear of disappointing ourselves.
Fear of losing support in our work.
Fear of falling back in what feels like a race.
For us bloggers, we fear that stepping back will result in losing readers or interest.
Which is why I love this line from St. Bonaventure, whose name sounds a whole lot like adventure, just to point out the obvious.
A fidelity in little things like making coffee for my husband, healing with him in our marriage (which is actually pretty significant), reading to my kids, and tending to my own spiritual needs will yield much more than anything I could imprudently chase after.
And while we tend of think of heroism on grander scales, it’s simply responding in faith and courage to God’s minute-by-minute call to stay with Him, though that looks a little different for each of us.
Faithfulness in these little things will yield greatness. Maybe not greatness according to the masses or whatever kind audience we work to satisfy; but I’m sure the Lord who sees our love and labor for our vocations will be pleased, and He’s all the audience we need.
The woman in the above picture is doing something so simple – “just” being a mom, holding her baby and smiling. Behind her is an impressive ocean, symbolic of the accompanying greatness to little things. I didn’t even put the two ideas together until after I made the image, but it works.
This is an invitation to let the reins hang loose. Stop working when the kids go down. Hold a hand up to the thing causing you painful anxiety and say, “No. Not now.” Allowing ourselves more leisure time, fewer obligations, and permission to breathe easy is an imitation of God Himself, who rested after Creation. He did so not because He needed it, but He knew we certainly would.
A humble thank you goes to Hannah V. for sending this fantastic line from St. Bonaventure my way. The timing, ohhh the timing!! God bless you, girl!
Do you have a quotation from a saint you’d like to see here? Email me at katie{at}thecatholicwife{dot}net.
See the Monday Morning with the Saints Pinterest Board for more wisdom.
Love this Katie! I have been realizing lately, that pulling back or taking time to sabbath is only truly restful for me, when I consciously allow myself to “waste” time. I have to set my mind to it, and let everything else melt away.
It seems these simple things, being mother, wife, and daughter of the king, are the most important parts in my life. I hope how I spend my time and the way I speak reflects that.
Thanks for writing.