Keeping Those Plates Spinning
“For all must carry their own loads.”
When our daughter Hannah was growing up, I spent a great deal of time feeling guilty. A Pastor works many evenings and weekends. There were so many little moments that I missed. I wasn't a bad father, but I wish I had been able to spend more time with her. Time does go too fast, and even then, I felt I was missing out.
Dr. Deb Knobelman, PhD, in her article, "You Need To Keep Your Mind In One Place at a Time," declares that our own guilt should not manipulate us. Ask any single mother what I just described, and she will quickly describe similar feelings and experiences. Dr. Knobelman says we must evaluate our best options, make a decision, and not look back. If we choose to work extra to improve our financial situation, then we should make the decision and stop beating ourselves up. The distraction from guilt can be debilitating. We end up not being attentive at work or at home.
Dr. Knobelman recommends, "Make a plan in advance for when the distracting thoughts come up." The plan helps us overcome guilt and keeps us on task. Knobelman continues, "To choose a specific thought to think ahead of time, when you start hearing that same negative voice in your head. For example, instead of simply waiting until the inevitable thought 'I should be with my kids' came up at work, I could make a plan. I could tell myself, 'When I start thinking that I should be with my kids, I will remind myself: it is possible to be a good parent and also enjoy work.'"
God wants us to be happy, but also to be responsible people. Most of us have obligations to our families, our employers, ourselves, and to God. Every minute of every day, there are so many plates spinning. If you are going to question your decisions, do it intentionally. Make a change, or affirm your life, then move forward. Rather than quit, use short moments of reflection to affirm your decisions. You are doing the very best you can. God is grateful for your hard work, love, and dedication. In those overwhelmed moments, don't let guilt falsely manipulate your heart. Stand up and appreciate yourself and the many plates you keep spinning every day. Remind yourself that you are doing it for the right reasons.
