Ah, back to school … just writing those words brings a whole flood of emotions.
Whether you are sending your kids off to school for the first time or the last time, does it really ever get easier? The scheduling, planning, activities, carpooling, meal prepping, organizing, packing, and repacking! Oh, did I mention that all of this will be happening on repeat for the next 180 days … give or take a few.
I get it, this is all a little overwhelming! But here is the good news: it doesn’t have to be.
I’m sure you’re familiar with the story of Mary and Martha, but if not, let me briefly paint the picture for you:
Martha is rushing all around the house cooking, cleaning, feeding the baby, all while knitting a sweater (okay, that is totally my version, but you get the point). Then there is Mary, her sister, sitting at the feet of Jesus. Yes, she is just sitting there!
As a day-to-day Martha, I can relate to her frustration. How is she supposed to do it all on her own? Why is no one helping her? She decides she can’t take it anymore, and Martha speaks up, calling upon the One who knows how to command results: Jesus Himself. What she hoped to receive from Him was a change in her situation, but what she was offered instead was an invitation.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).
Surely, you can relate to these all-too-common feelings of trying to do everything for everyone, only to find yourself exhausted, frustrated, and empty.
Martha was a woman who knew how to get things done, and I am sure she did them all very well (I love this about her!), but she was missing that one thing. The one mistake we often overlook in those very busy moments of life is this idea of “misplaced importance.” We tend to give top priority to our what, when, whys, but miss our who.
Over all the back-to-school years I’ve experienced (this will be my 12th), I’ve learned so many “what not to do” things. Oh, all the stories I could tell on those! However, along the way I have also picked up a few practical habits to help my heart stay focused on Jesus and connected to His truths each and every one of those 180 days.
Pray, Pray, Pray
Did you know the Bible refers to prayer over 450 times? I definitely believe there is a reason for that! With so many things that pull for our attention and try to disconnect and distract us in this world (hello phones), prayer does the opposite. Prayer connects us! Not only does it connect us to Jesus himself, but also to His peace, His power, His love, and His grace (sign me up for that data plan)! Finding space in our day to talk with Jesus will always be time well spent.
Pause Intentionally
I often get asked, “What do you like do in your free time?” I always get tripped up on that “free time” part. It is far too easy to fill our time and forget to put ourselves on the schedule. By nature, I could be classified as an extra-extravert, but taking time to just be is still essential.
Finding space to do what you love is good self-care, and the best part is that everyone benefits from it … just ask my family! The bonus is that self-care not only improves our mental health, but it can also increase productivity and improve our relationships.
Be Present
One of the hardest struggles for me is trying to keep my mind and my body in the same location. Maybe you can relate. My mind, well, she is quite the wanderer! Lately, I have been asking Jesus for help with this. Whether it is at the dinner table with my family, on a date with my husband, working alongside others, or checking out at the grocery store—Lord, keep me in the moment! I find the more I intentionally choose to do this, the calmer and more connected I feel. It really is a win-win!
Preparing Over Planning
Have you ever been disappointed because things didn’t go according to plan? Welcome to the club, my friend! One thing I am working on is focusing less on the plan and more on the preparation. As you already know, preparation is a parenting essential: backpack, lunch box, sports equipment, coats (do they even wear them anymore?). I am finding that when I invest my time and energy into preparing well, it really doesn’t matter what plan we choose because this mama will be ready for it!
My prayer for you is that this school year is different. Not because your schedule changed, because your bedtime routine got easier, or because you finally found someone to cook all of your family’s meals (although all these things would be amazing), but rather because you are different!
May you choose wisely and rightly like Mary, even in the chaos of life, to sit at the feet of Jesus. His rich invitation is never-ending, and the reward of accepting it is far beyond measure. Whether it is waiting in the pick-up line, washing dishes at your sink, working at your desk, or sitting on the bleachers, He is always there! When we choose to make a little time for Jesus, we choose to make our life a whole lot easier.
Praying for you,
P.S. Here are some resources I’ve found helpful that may be good go-tos for you during this season:
Meal Planning:
*Both of these are also on Facebook and Instagram.
Devotionals/Books:
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (daily devotional that is easy to read and very timely)
Sparkling Gems by Rick Renner (daily devotional that is a deep dive into scripture)
Present-Over-Perfect by Shauna Niequist (book with so many applicable truths in the chaos of day-to-day living)
Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons (book on being intentional to rest, restore, connect and create daily)
Daily Encouragement:
The Bible app is my go-to! They provide a daily Bible verse along with a short video and guided prayer…an all in one. Also, they have tons of free daily devotionals you can read through on almost any and every topic.
Deals & Steals:
I am a thrifter by nature so goodwilling and consignment are my main resources. Let me know if you would like some locations and names. I have several I go to in the area for kids clothes, sports gear and home essentials. Here are a few:
Bigwheels 2 Butterflies – three locations in the Omaha area
My personal picks for Goodwill are at 8457 W Center Rd in Omaha (for clothes and shoes) and 15455 Ruggles St in Omaha (for home goods and books). Also 2303 Towne Centre Dr in Bellevue (my overall pick for good finds).