I'm Already Behind!

“I'm already behind!” exclaimed the single mom when I gave her what I thought was going to be a special gift. We were hosting a breakfast organized by our church for single moms for Mother's Day. I had arranged for women's devotional books to be donated so we could give each mom a little gift while their children received gift cards and volunteers took their kids shopping for gifts specifically from their own kids on Mother's Day. I hadn't even noticed that the wonderful devotionals written by a good friend of mine, were dated beginning January 1^st for an entire year. So, by the time our Mother's Day event came around, we were, in fact, already “behind.”

I know the mom was joking, but it was a harsh reminder of how I feel almost every day of my single mom life – always running behind. Take this blog for instance. I had it designed by a talented designer over a year ago, and then life happened and I never got around to writing anything. So, for my New Year's resolution I pledged to write at least one blog a month for one year. This was not so much because I believe millions of people are waiting to read it – but, for my own act of discipline. It is now March. Need I even say it? I'm obviously already behind – again.

I marvel at my cousin who is faithful at her writing (you can read her at See Mom Blog). And while I wish I were her, she wishes she was me and we go round and round beating ourselves up. Is that what women do? Just go back and forth feeling behind, yet growing weary from all the things we do actually get done. Today I got in a Facebook posting back and forth with this cousin. I started sharing the little signs around my house and she shared hers.

“I can only please one person a day - today is not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look good either.”
“Lack of planning on your part doesn't constitute an emergency on my part."
“Dull women have immaculate houses.”
"Well behaved women rarely make history!"
"Never try to out stubborn your mother"
"Faith makes things possible, not easy"
"Do not grow weary doing good for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Gal. 6:9

Then I realized, the last one is not just a cute saying, it is part of the awe inspiring Word of God. It is not meant so much to bring a smile on my face when I see the little plaque, but to be reminded about the God of all heaven and earth that wrote those words to me. And that was the meaning of the dated devotional as well. It wasn't about keeping up with dates, or assignments, or getting things accomplished. The devotional was, and is, about finding a tool to help you spend time with the God of the universe. Yes, we are all busy and fall terribly behind. I don't even want to list all the ways I am behind. But, there is no beginning and no end when it comes to spending time with God. We are never “behind” with Him – He is always waiting for us to jump in at New Years or Mother's Day or the heat of August. The key is just sitting down and doing it – even if the first day of the New Year's resolution is in March.