For many people, things slow down during the first part of the year, but for me it’s the opposite, as it’s actually the start of a busy time for my family. After the busyness of the holidays, we roll right into Fair time. February might seem like an odd time of year for a fair, but housing 335 chickens and 100+ rabbits in a tent in the middle of summer in Florida is neither pretty nor fragrant. Take my word for it.
I had been feeling overly burdened and busy as of late. In addition to the Fair and my normal mom duties, I was caught up in the excitement of social media. I look at so many women and wonder how they manage to be social media queens, active bloggers, twitterers, and everything else. I am far from pulling off anything like that. I haven’t updated my blog in over a month, I don’t know anything about the numerous cool photo apps out there, and don’t even get me started on my Facebook homeschool page. Sadly, it seems that I’m a social media failure.
Initially, this really bothered me. I wanted to be as good at all of this as those I admired. After all, they make it look so easy. But I didn’t know why this was such a big deal to me. I mean, when I stop and think about it, it’s not my job. It doesn’t make any money to help me provide for our household (like it does for some). I think part of it was a need to feel included. I wanted to be a part of what I perceived to be all sorts of fun. But spending more time on social media only added too much to an already overflowing plate, which caused me major stress, which made me unable to be fully in the moment with my family.
While at the Fair, I think I finally realized why I’m not so good at all this social media. It’s not where my heart lies. I spent the last crazy-busy ten days with my children at the Fair wanting to pull my hair out, frustrated with some people who have no social skills whatsoever, and even wondering why I bother to put myself through that frustration every year as a volunteer. Then I got it – this is my main priority and where I want to spend most of my time – focused on my children’s activities. This is where my treasure lies. It’s all about my children and all about why I do what I do. I still like to do some things for me, like tweet, blog, and take pictures, but those things aren’t at the forefront of my thoughts.
Maybe one day I will be as good at being a social media butterfly as some of my amazing friends (who have been trying to teach me how to fly, too), but for now, in this season of my life, I realize that I am still happy being a caterpillar. Moving along at a slower pace and enjoying all of the little, simple, slower moments of where I am as a wife, mother, and homeschool mom. And that’s okay, because this is what I love.
So if you’re feeling like the speed of your life is overwhelming and you’re barely hanging on – slow down. Take in the life around you instead of focusing on adding more things. Find your true treasure, focus on that, and give it your all.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also… Matthew 6:21
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Great advice! I have to slow down often…remember God created each person and path different…enjoy the journey while being the hands and feet…but only take your path, not the path of another…no matter how exciting or wonderful it may look,the journey still has ups/downs…and if we’re all flying at mach speed…there’s no one to slow down and enjoy the beauty of each season!
APPLAUDING LOUDLY!!!!!!
Love this post
It is so imperative that we do what God wants us to do with our life and our time. Then, and only then will we find the love, peace, and joy we seek in everything around us. Great post, I am going to share!
Thanks ladies …. slowing down has been such a blessing. I highly recommend it : )
This was so refreshing to read! Just yesterday I was thinking that I don’t have time to keep up with all these blogs that I follow. I spend all this time reading about all these great ideas but then I don’t have time to do them because I’m on the computer reading about more.