The Best and The Rest

I did it.

I took the big leap.

I signed a contract.

I have returned to the work force.

I say work force because I’ve always been a “working mom” – my office was simply in our home. My clients were my children and husband and my job description changed according to my children’s ages and needs.

Now that I’m behind a desk and spending time with other adults I once again find myself re-evaluating my role as Mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, author, speaker and yes – housekeeper.

Thankfully I’m doing what I love – I’m teaching.

When I speak to groups I’m simply in a different kind of “classroom” and I become a student of life with the awesome Moms I get to meet…so being in the classroom isn’t too far from the speaking circuit I used to enjoy.  Even though I can’t speak to groups during the day I’m thrilled to have some events in the evenings and weekends over the course of this next year.

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of speaking for a MOPS group in Missouri. It was their first meeting and my first time to speak after a long and welcome summer break.

I had taught all day, fought rush hour traffic for over an hour and was thrilled to see the church’s sign where our event was being held.  After getting things set up and meeting everyone I did what I always do before speaking – I found a quiet place to be alone with God and ask Him to bless our time together.

As I sat still (for the first time that day) and tried to focus on God’s voice, Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians kept coming to my mind. In chapter 12, starting with verse 9, Jesus says to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul goes on to accept God’s grace and declares that he will, “boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me”.

As I sat in that chair, head in my hands, I was overwhelmed with how weak my body felt. I had given my “best” to my family that morning and my students that day.  But I wanted to give my best to these wonderful women too! So I did what is sometimes all I have energy to do – I cried out to God.

I began to pray out loud, “Lord – I’m not sure I can really offer you my best right now. But please take the “rest” of me and infuse your power into it!”.  I shared honestly with the group and it was nice to hear that I wasn’t alone. Some of the women in that room were running off what was “left” too and it was great to know we were together in this journey.

I’m almost 2 months into this whole teaching gig and I simply wanted to write and give God the glory for sharing His GRACE, His POWER, His SPIRIT with me.

Even when all I have is the “rest” of me, I know that’s enough. It’s enough not because I have so much to offer, but because in my weakest times I am forced to rely on God’s perfect power.

Sometimes we have lots of the “best” part of ourself to give. Sometimes we only have the “rest” to work with.

God wants our best, the rest and all the junk in our life. It’s okay to be weak, it’s okay to feel empty – God’s power is enough!

How has God shown His power through and in you? (helped you finish a load of laundry, use patience when dealing with your child, etc…)

Have you ever felt weak and called out to God?

How did His power manifest itself in you?

Share your stories on our Facebook page or in the comments below – your story will encourage other moms to push through the weak times and know strength is coming!

You are such a blessing to me and your family – thank you for being on this journey with me!

Kasey