It’s funny but of course most telling – I always feel most inspired to write on my blog about things I find so meaningful after a Sunday church service. During every service, I get the most clarity about situations that have been troubling me in recent weeks. I feel that God is always trying to reiterate the same couple lessons – reoccurring situations that just come in different forms, but all under the same ‘umbrella’ of solutions so to speak.
The first one is to love others unconditionally. No matter what people say to you, what people do to you, how they provoke you, love them. I mean, chances are, you would’ve had some fault in it too because it takes faulty action to provoke that type of behavior, however, whether big or small, learn to move past it quickly. There’s no stronger ball and chain to ones life than holding a grudge. It does nothing for anyone and it does more harm to you than it does to the other person.
It’s hard not to get selfishly absorbed in your emotions when emotions run high. I’m not saying to give them a pass every time, but after you calm down, remember that regardless of the situation, as a Christian, you need to be the light and the one that exudes Jesus-like characteristics. Let it go, and I mean truly let it go, because that is in your power, not theirs. Then, move on. The longer you hold onto anger or animosity, the deeper the hole you dig for yourself and the more stress and ill will you let build up inside of you. So handle the situation, work or talk things out, and regardless of the circumstance, find it in your heart to forgive and continue to love.
The second one is recognizing when the florals around your tree are preventing you tree from growing. I’ve referred to this devotion prior and it is still my favorite and one I keep in mind constantly. Having too many florals around your tree is a metaphor for having too many “pretty” engagements in your schedule. Fun trips, events, and constant on-the-go happenings may appear to make your schedule and weekly/monthly calendar look fun and glam but really, you’re taking away from time to quite down, slow down, and spend time with God.
I’ll be honest, my schedule has been insane and I feel like I’ve been drowning. That’s my fault. I should have had better discernment after the wedding in really sorting out what things that occupy my time are worth it and help facilitate my spiritual growth. We get caught up in this fast paced life and before we know it, we’re exhausted trying to play catch up. Most of these things are all personal engagements and we often fail to realize that we begin neglecting other departments of our life. I’m neck high (or deep, unsure the correct term) in collabs, events, work, and it’s become an issue for Tyler and I. I’m constantly on work mode and fail to remember to water his and my relationship and marriage (which I feel is most important during the first couple years of marriage). Even with small things and errands around the house… I constantly put off so many things and I’m at the point where it’s driving me crazy and making me unhappy. Although my career is doing so amazing, I can’t say I have much of a peace of mind. So I’ve vowed to myself to dial back on the events and extra fluff or ‘florals around my tree’ so I can let my roots grow. Events are fun but until you’re going to numerous a week, you don’t realize how much of a toll it takes! All these florals are sucking the water and nutrients away and, in return, are stunting my spiritual growth and time with God.
God has provided me with so many amazing opportunities and although I’ve learned to not be envious of others because of my confidence in Him, I have come to realize that I will pick up an emotion of envy or jealousy every now and then, which used to never be an issue for me. It doesn’t happen often but it is happening and that’s a huge red flag for me. When my schedule was simpler and I was spending more time at home, with Tyler, with my family and friends, I was prosperous without drowning. There was a healthy balance.
With the start of 27, I’m making it a promise to maintain balance, even if that means having to cut out things I may not want to cut out. But I need it for my own healthy state of mind. I’m not mentally sound, I’m not as happy as I should be, and I refuse to let this be the start to something disastrous. More is less and that phrase is everything to me. I work to make sufficient money to keep me afloat. I’m not money hungry. I like nice things and if I want them, God always provides me opportunities to make those things happen. However, I don’t crave to feel the need to do more just so I can make more. My priorities lay with my Faith and my husband and that’s one thing I will put my foot down this year.
Though I thought I had a great grip on my blogging and influencing career, it truly only gets crazier and crazier. Of course it’s not a bad thing at all, but remaining grounded throughout the process is something I really hold myself accountable to. So recognize when there is too much! Don’t let it consume you. Bring it and dial it back until you’ve found a good balance for yourself.