Wow. Posting every day for 31 days straight is no joke! It has been tough. It hasn’t been perfect, and I’ve missed a couple of days here and there because, life. So many of these posts I had to publish despite wanting to edit them more or sit with them longer. But what an awesome challenge it has been not only for my writing, but even more for my heart. I’ve had to wade through some heavy topics (and some not so heavy) in “real time.” Each day I have prayerfully considered what God would have me to share, to ponder, to declutter. Although this was a kind of crash course in simplifying, it has been transformative for me. I am so hopeful that the Lord will continue this sanctifying work in me, long after October 31 passes.
I plan to use these last few days to recap some of my greatest takeaways from this challenge.
With all of my “relationship” posts, I’ve noticed a clear thread in how I want to approach them. It really does come down to the themes of love, grace, and truth. When I remind myself to go “back to the basics,” those are the words that fill my mind. I am so grateful to the Lord for allowing me to see these precious pieces of my life with new eyes. Relationships need re-evaluating from time to time, and I’ve discovered how valuable it is to focus on improving myself, not the counterpart in the relationship. I will always have much to refine. Much too much to focus on how others need polishing.
I should just be the friend, partner, mother, and daughter that I want to have.
The Lord is sweet in his relentless patience with me as I learn to be more filled with him and less with myself. This is dying daily, and it’s not an easy practice. I want to see my friends and family with eyes of grace, a heart of love, and thoughts of truth. Always.
If you missed my relationship posts earlier in the series, you can read them by clicking here, here, or here.
write 31 days
31 Days of Learning to Simplify: My Mothering
There are about one million ways I could think of to improve my parenting. One million ways I fail and mess up, and one million times when I’ve said or done the wrong thing. I’m sure the people around me would gladly dispense advice and there are books full of checklists to make sure I’m doing everything just right, all the time.
It’s so much pressure.
But God doesn’t put pressure on me to be a more perfect mom. His approach is much different, gentler. He picks my tired self up off the hot seat, and then he doesn’t just leave the seat empty for me to find my way back again. He sits in my place.
He sees me in the monotony of my days, at my best and my worst, and he’s pleased. He tells me I’m a good mom (sometimes more than once, when I really need convincing).
That’s because the Lord looks past my mom “failures” and “wins” and peers deep into my mama heart.
He knows the soaring love I have for this baby of mine, because he sees with the eyes of a Father. A kind Father. A good Father.
When I feel all caught up in my constant striving to do better and more, I need to remember who he says I am. That is, already enough.
Right where I am – I’m enough. You’re enough.
I’m my best mama-self when I see myself how he sees me. When I parent out of that place, I’m not relying on techniques or methods, I’m just relying on the One who made me a mom in the first place. And He’s enough.
I am nearing the end of my Write 31 Days Challenge! If you want to read through some of the other posts in this series, click here.
31 Days of Learning to Simplify: Finances
Carrying two mortgages will make you rethink your finances, mainly because you have no other choice. That’s the position we found ourselves in this past summer when we randomly (divinely?) found the “just right” house for us, before our old home was even listed on the market. It was a good practice for us to pay close attention to the money leaving our accounts every month.
I am no expert in the realm of finances, but these are some personal goals and practices that I try to keep up as much as possible.
1. Keep track of the outgoing. Online banking is helpful for me in this way since it’s always up to date and tracks all spending and bill pay in one place.
2. No debt. Of course easier in word than practice, but less debt = less stress. We only have one credit card and use it sparingly + pay it off quickly.
3. Charitable giving. Be on the lookout for opportunities to give that are meaningful to you/your family. One that is important to me is sponsoring a child in Thailand who I met when I was there in April.
4. Where you spend is important. Whenever possible, buy from companies that provide safe environments and fair wages. Here’s one article that has influenced me on this topic.
5. Accountability. My husband and I share accounts so everything is always visible to the other. Also – no large purchases without discussing first.
6. Monthly/weekly allowance. Setting a certain amount of spending money for each week has helped us keep our small purchases like coffee in check.
7. Make returns. If something doesn’t work or fit, or you just change your mind – take it back! Don’t just stick it away in a closet and forget about it.
8. Online bill pay. Everything in one place keeps finances simple.
9. Prayerful consideration over major changes or purchases. We did not decide rashly to buy a second home without lots of prayer and crunching numbers to make sure it was a smart decision.
I don’t want to just streamline my finances for simplicity’s sake. I want to be a good steward of my blessings and resources, and make it a priority in life.
I would love to hear any tips you guys may have! This is an area where I always have something to learn. Please leave your ideas in the comments. 🙂
shannaleighwrites.com 