Desperate

I don't know about you, but I'm in desperate need of three things this year: motivation, will power, and focus.

I'm naturally a pretty task-oriented, get'er done kind of girl. I've noticed over the past few years, though, as I've slowly transitioned from mom of littles and middles to mom of tweens and teens that I'm having a difficult time finding my groove and flourishing.
As a natural manager of all things house and homeschool, I guess it's pretty reasonable that I'd lose my motivation, will power, and focus when my 24-7 managing skills are no longer needed 24-7.

Trying to figure out where I fit in in this in between parenting stage has been somewhat frustrating for me. However, I know it's a completely normal and necessary stage. Not exactly an easy stage for one who's devoted every waking moment to running a household and homeschooling 3 kids. (At least it seemed every waking moment sometimes.) ;)

So, as I mentioned earlier, this year I'm desperate for 3 things:

Motivation

definition: having a strong reason to act or accomplish something.
synonyms: inspiration, desire, incentive

Bible Verses

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

1 Corinthians 9:24 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Philippians 3:14 - I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Will Power

definition: control of one's impulses and actions; self-control
synonyms: determination, resolution, fortitude

Bible Verses

Psalm 51:12 - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.

2nd Peter 1:5-7 - For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age . . ."

Focus

definition: a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity
synonyms: focal point, target, spotlight

Bible Verses

Hebrews 3:1 - Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.

Hebrews 12:1b-2a - And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

2nd Corinthians 4:18 - So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Proverbs 4:25-27 - Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.

First Things First

I know that in order for me to have these 3 things in my normal, everyday life, I need to first have them in my spiritual life. This just made me think of that verse in Matthew - hold on - okay, here it is:

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

I'm not necessarily asking, "What shall I eat, drink, or wear?" (The context of the verse) But in the back of mind I'm asking, "Where do I fit in? What should I do with my part-time, free time? How do I parent well during this phase? I have lots of things I'd like to do, but which one or two do I focus on?"

Aaaaaaaagh!

And on the list goes. And everyday my brain fuzzes just a little bit more. Which frustrates and turns into lack of productivity because I can't focus.

Prayer

Whatever stage of life you're in, can you relate? If so, maybe we can pray this prayer together:

Lord, please help me to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Motivate me to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which I've been called and to run this "race" passionately without growing weary. Grant me the will power to live a self-controlled life by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Keep my eyes and thoughts fixed on You, and help me give careful thought to the paths you've set before me, keeping me from evil and sin that so easily entangles. In Jesus' name, amen.

I'm writing all the above verses and any more that come to me in one of my journals. I hope to meditate on them from time to time. I did create this quick, no frills printable so I can see it every single day. In sight, in mind. :)

Feel free to print one for yourself if you're desperate for motivation, will power, and focus, too. Too bad it's only in black and white - I can't afford to put the ever-so-beautiful colored ink in my printer. ;)