Sometimes I struggle because of all the things I don't do. I don't wake up early enough or complete enough, such thoughts are followed with feelings of dissatisfaction and grief for my lack. If only I would have or could have....then.... After I begin down that path of misery, I have to shift my focus on the things that I did correctly. I follow that thinking with encouragement, thinking I will do better in the future. I intentionally try to think of the things that I did do positively in order keep my mind in the right direction.
Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Are you following God's will for your life? Seek him everyday asking him to show you what he wants you to do. He will fill the lack because he knows your heart. Ask him to help you want the things he wants for you and to open your eyes. Pray and meditate on scripture so it is deep in your heart and you can draw on it when things look bleak.
One of my major struggles has been waking up early in the morning. I know that I should do it, it will help my whole household move more peacefully & efficiently. Yet lately I have not been very successful and struggle most mornings without actually waking up. I wake up at 7am when the kids need to be fed, dressed and ready for school by 8am. That doesn't leave me with enough time to get myself right to over flow for them! We have 3 children here 12, 9 & 4 and not everyone rises with a smile on there face! If I have not given my all to God seeking his strength the kids could easily deter my positive mood. Have you ever heard "If mom's not happy, no one is happy".
When I rise nice and early I have time with God where I find my strength and peace for the day. I can also meditate, rehearsing scripture to permeate it deep in my heart. I am able to exercise which keeps me healthy physically and emotionally. These different things together help to have a more peaceful and productive day. These combined actions help for a better me! A better me I can offer to others.
Think about the Proverbs 31 Woman
The Wife of Noble Character
10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
She is a woman who gets up early, she gives her day to the Lord and with wisdom she makes a difference to the world she encounters! I want to be a women of such intentionality, wisdom and production. Pouring in to the world at large and starting with my family.
So even though I know how important it is why do I still struggle? Where I am weak he is strong! I need to surrender daily. I will hold on to Philippians 2:13 committing it to memory so it will sink deep in my heart. I know God will help me to act to fulfill his purpose and to be the best me to bring value to the kingdom of God, my family and the world. He wants us to be a good representative of him and as I surrender daily through the Holy Spirit he will help me change my actions!