When our littles wake up or refuse to nap and show big emotions, we instinctively extend grace and compassion. As our big-feeling little ones try to accomplish day-to-day tasks, we guide them, break down big tasks into small steps, take our time, and make things fun. When a spouse or a loved one returns from a long day at work and that exhaustion is visible, we evaluate, adjust, and extend grace as we interact. Why is it, then, that when we look in the mirror or evaluate our semester of homeschooling, grace can get thrown out the window?! We tend to be our own worst critics, and this has a way of derailing even the best things in our lives.

Factors That Contribute:

The Comparison Game. We all fall into this trap. Social media has made our lives open books for the world to consume. However, you quickly realize that you do not measure up when you go down this comparison trail. But measure up to what? To Suzy-Q, who is living her best life on her homestead, homeschooling her 2.5 kids, making home-grown, homemade meals, and has 30K followers!? Did you take note of the statement above!? “Living her best life.” What you witness, encounter, or talk about with your friends are each individual’s lifestyle choices. Others’ life experiences can guide you, but at the end of the day, they are their life experiences. Comparing your experiences with others no longer makes them your experiences. You deny yourself enjoyment of memories and encounters when you fall into the Comparison Trap.

The Lies We Believe. Whether you speak these over yourself or believe something overheard, insinuated, or in an over-analyzed conversation, we must evaluate the words we take to heart and identify the Truth. The words of Truth tend to be whispers of affirmations, brief text messages, or a soft smile from a friend. Does a louder lie drown out these moments? Speaking kindly to ourselves, fortifying our foundations in the Truth, and surrounding ourselves with individuals who uplift and encourage us are key! There is no room for the lies when we fill ourselves with the Truth!

The Competition. This can be similar to the comparison trap but is a more active cycle in which to get stuck. This can be competition with ourselves or competition with others. The constant doing of the next thing or the unrealistic and preconceived expectations. Busyness for the sake of show leads to burnout! What is the why behind your busyness? Let this drive you, and don’t lose sight of your why. Your why keeps you grounded and focused on the mission instead of just the busyness for busyness’ sake.

Grace Abounds:

I challenge you to remember that you are worthy of the same grace you extend to your family and loved ones. You may need to write that one on a few index cards to place around your home. When we find ourselves in need of grace: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” ~Hebrews 4:16