Hello my friend, how does this day find you? Challenged? Fighting the good fight?

Are you feeling like you have things all figured out, like you have the world by the tail or this mothering thing down pat? {No? I haven’t arrived at that mystical place either!}

Maybe you wonder sometimes if you’re cut out for all this has turned out to be?

Your kids don’t always get along? The dishes don’t stay done? Ha! Dare I mention laundry?

Maybe you wonder if there is more you’re meant to do, and if so, what? And when?

Maybe you dream of the day when things are running smoothly and you’re not fatigued and fighting for greater patience in the middle of needing three years of sleep!

No matter where you are and what you’re feeling today, I just want to tell you that I love you and I see the wonderful, seemingly small- but most important things you are accomplishing!

I see you picking up groceries and making a new menu for the week.

I see you putting kids in car seats and grocery carts and wheelchairs and swings at the park.

And sometimes when I speak with you, it seems like I can see your heart, all your trying and all the patience you muster, even in the moments when you feel frustrated inside.

I hear you sincerely compliment your friends and give encouragement, over and over again, to your children.

I witness the compassion you have for your spouse who is most likely doing the very best he can to provide the things you need and want.

And I want you to know, you’re doing beautifully!

We don’t arrive at, “I’ve got this” very often, if at all, because in an instant, just like that, the game of life changes!

So, instead of running too hard, working and longing to feel that elusive sense of arriving, today I challenge you to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and as you let it out slowly, through pursed lips, remember that you aren’t in a competition. You aren’t racing for a prize for “the best” anything in comparison to anyone else. There is no scheduled arrival at the world’s winning circle!

No, this experience is not a competition, it is simply your God-given life.

Your time to enjoy, to feel, to learn, to expand, to create, to decide, to serve, to experience, to honor.

Do you want to feel that purpose more? Do you crave greater peace?

Know that you can choose right now to disengage from the smoke and mirrors of competition and invite the peace of heaven into your life.

The truth is, no matter where you are in your personal evolutionary process, with God’s help, you can live peacefully in your own unique and beautiful way!

But you will have to slow down and opt out of the competition game, and opt into asking God to help you feel His love and recognize His peace when you are doing the most important things.

Your sincere prayers and deep breathing, calmly turn you to that place where you can feel content with the efforts you’ve made; where you can really see those little children smiling at you; hear their angelic voices; smell the sunshine on their skin and accept that this is where you are now. And it’s just right.

Yes, you can and need to love and accept yourself in the middle of this messy, wonderfully creative experience we call life!

Sending you my best wishes for a love and peace-filled week ahead!

Take good care,

The mission of Lioness at the Door is to uplift, strengthen and encourage women of all ages to magnify health, hope and happiness at home. We do so boldly, with humility and gratitude for the opportunity. God bless you!