View from the Top

We live in a day and age where everyone is a winner. Trophies are passed out for participation. Everyone gets a superlative. I’m sure there’s some official research, but as I observe our culture I see the spoiling of our children spilling over. To Moms. And I think it’s ok for me to say this since I’m still in the Mom trenches for the most part but it still makes me a little nervous. 

You aren’t necessarily doing your best. 

Yikes. There it is. For everyone to see. I don’t have a ton of readers at this point so maybe I’ve offended less people than possible. 😂 But seriously. Where did this culture of praise for the ordinary come from? When did we start lauding people for “just getting by”. 

Before you get too angry at me, please hear me out. There are seasons and days and hours that are HARD. When getting through is all that matters. When getting dressed and making it through the the day IS your best. And I’m not talking about those times. We’ve all had them, we will all have them again. What I’m referring to is more of a complacency that I see in myself. 

Wasting time on social media instead of exercising. 

Reading a book instead of my Bible. 

Racing to get chores done before Peter gets bene so I look like I’ve been productive.       

Watching a show with my kids and telling myself we’ve spent quality time together. 

Scrolling social media to “stay in touch” instead of sending an intentional message of encouragement to a few friends. 

Telling myself “I’m just not a morning person.” Or “I’m just not organized by nature” or “My personality doesn’t allow for that.”  

You and me? We were created with a purpose. And we should be living life on purpose. Asking ourselves, am I really doing my best? Or am I just doing enough. 

Last fall we set out to hike one day. Y’all if you’ve know me for a minute you know that exercise is not my thing. I don’t like to sweat. I hate wearing socks and shoes. A little stroll through the autumn leaves? Sign me up. But an uphill hike for 5 hours? I think I already have plans that day. 

There was something about this particular hike though. I wanted to finish it. I don’t even know why. Maybe to prove to myself that I could do it? Maybe because I didn’t want to quit. Regardless something propelled me forward. Through tunnel after tunnel (52 in all). Step after step. 

We got to the 52nd tunnel just as the sun was setting. It was incredible. For a moment I forgot the fact that we still had to hike back down the mountain (another 7km) in the dark. For a moment I was victorious. For a moment I had pushed my body as hard as I could. For a moment I had done my best. 

And it hurt. My legs ached. About halfway up one of my hamstrings started to pull with each step. It wasn’t agonizing but it sure wasn’t comfortable. My feet hurt. It was starting to get cold. And not only did I have to hike back but I had to help and encourage our four kids back down too. Side note- my kids are so stinking tough. So tough. I will remind them of this hike for the rest of their lives when they face adversity because I am in AWE of them. 

So now. As I hike through motherhood. Am I choosing to take quick stroll down our paved walking path? Or am I pushing myself? To reach the pinnacle. To take in the magnificence of the view. To celebrate in the accomplishment. Am I hiding in the ease and comfort? Or I am pushing myself when it needs to hurt. Getting out of my comfort zone. Going for it hard. 

Too often I’m not. 

Don’t be willing to settle for a participation trophy. Push yourself in your pursuit of of a Godly life. Push yourself in pursuit of service. For the good of others. For the glory of God. Push yourself in motherhood that is honoring to Him.

Life is desperately short  Make it count  it doesn’t matter how big or small  Just do your best in your moment  In your space  When you are called  keep climbing friends  The view from the top may hurt a little getting there but it is worth it