In the past year, my life has been more upheaval than not, and normal was no where to be found. I even had long time readers email me to say they could tell by my writing that I was struggling. They were right.
And all throughout the craziness, I kept looking for normal.
Until I read this article by Sally Clarkson.
You see, Sally has lived a life very much like my own. A lot of moves, a lot of upheaval, a lot of craziness. So, these words from her post were like a healing balm to my wandering mind:
“I think I would have been so much more content and joyful if I had just known at the beginning that life for me would not be balanced–but could always be meaningful—if I would just accept the limitations of each day, each season, each child, my marriage and my finances–none totally balanced, perfect–but all a blessing…”
If your life seems to rarely balance out, and you don’t even know what normal looks like anymore, I’d encourage you to read her article. She makes the case that balance isn’t even biblical! We aren’t given a “balance guarantee” when we become believers, and we have to stop seeking after a normal that doesn’t exist.
Normal is where you are right now.
It’s the little things God shows me that truly are the big things.
Laura says
Amy, thank you so much for passing this on! This is exactly what I needed to read today. I find myself perpetually waiting for things to “settle down” as I deal with a new baby, a broken foot, my husband’s new job, my son going off to first grade, my daughter being potty-trained, etc. I think I will be a lot more content if I just accept the reality that things just *won’t* settle down – ever – and that is A-OK.
Amy says
It has been a game-changer for me – still mulling it all over! We waste a lot of time “waiting” for things to go back to normal.
Suanna says
Thanks for sharing about normal. What has been may never be again, but today will be fresh and I can look for the “new normal.” Since our lives are ever changing one can’t expect everything to stay the same.
Amy says
One of my biggest problems has been longing for “what used to be”. I almost feel like I’m always looking back or looking ahead, but rarely am I “right here.” Great perspective, Suanna!
ALMA mATER says
Boy, do I relate to this. In the ten years since we’ve been married, we’ve had five children, moved five times, and now I have a new baby and am awaiting open heart surgery in the next couple of weeks, for a condition that I never knew I had. It’s a whirlwind of crazy, but I guess for now, this is our normal. He’ll get us through it.
Amy says
((HUGS)) Praying for you!
sarah says
So true Amy! I have 5 kids 13-3. One has huge sensory issues, so you know the more choas the worse. Of course we didnt know that when moving into this house. It is a huge remodel (as in 3 walls will not be altered when finished ). I moved two kids out of their room for the next phase of work, putting 3 to a room and the sensory kid in the hallway (he has sleeping issues ). Of course the kitchen floods during this time and gets completely gutted. For 3 weeks. I am living on week 4. Then on week 3 I brake my foot and my husband put his back out. Aaaahhh!!! 🙂 living here has forced me to try to enjoy the adventure and realize acedemics do not define us, but it has been very, very hard.
Amy says
I keep thinking someday I’ll look back on this with fond memories. I’m sure you will too. 😉
Andie Birdsell says
Oh Amy! My heart aches for you, I have been in this position more than I would like to admit but He continues to remind me that normal is where He has me right now b/c He is working on something special in my life through it. Those feelings are still there, I know! My heart was heavy for you after reading this today and God brought me to see this post by Awakening Women Institute that someone else posted. Its a picture that says: And then one day, she simply stopped waiting to Get There, Be More or Work It All Out. And she laid down on the grass and drank in the beauty and messy wonder that was in her life. If you go to my FB page, you?l see the posted pick of this. I couldnt figure out a way to post it to you even though I wished I could 🙂 Praying for you…may you rest in ŸOUR normal. Blessings to you 🙂
DANIELLE from Indiana says
I like the idea of enjoying restful moments in my day instead of being wearied by my mind wandering to my to do list all the time. With home schooling and raising eight, I’m always looking to make life easier. Good reminder to enjoy the journey to the fullest. : ) our lives don’t have to look like other’s lives whose seem so “neat and tidy”. God bless you.
Shelley says
Thanks for being an affirming voice for women. We all need to know it is OK to struggle sometimes and to be less than perfect. All of this is temporary. In the light of eternity most of the things we worry about don’t even matter.