Receive Not Achieve

Happy Thanksgiving Week, 

I have had a recurring phrase filter through my mind time and time again over the past two weeks. “Receive Not Achieve.” Mental to-do lists are exhausting and I am incredibly guilty of not fully resting as I should. The grocery list does not need to be made on my phone as my husband is talking to me and sharing about his day. That text that just came through can literally wait. Mark it as unread - go back to it later. I am so grateful for family, friends, and a husband that call me to be the best version of myself. There are areas I can improve upon and that is not a bad thing! 

I have noticed that when someone lovingly calls me out and says, “Hey, you need to work on this,” I jump to feeling inadequate and defensive. What is the root of that reaction? Why do I jump to being defensive? Criticism, when done with love is meant to bring growth and restoration. 

Can I practice self-awareness and step out of my pride to receive what the Lord is giving me? 

My goal as we approach my favorite season of all - Advent/Christmas is to pump the brakes and truly be present to those I love. It is not meant to be an overwhelming season. How can I lighten the load of family, friends, or hostesses for holiday events to make their lives just a bit easier to handle? 

These are a list of “takeaways” if you will from homilies at mass and Christian podcasts that have spoken directly to my heart recently. The Lord is clearly trying to tell me something. Thank you, God, for the gift of the Church and for enabling my heart to be open to this message. 

• Bring everything to the altar as an offertory. A gift to be bestowed upon the Lord. The toil to provide for our families is a large commitment. It’s not always the most fulfilling or life-giving job, but what we build in our homes is. Bring your emails, phone calls, Word documents, and all your planning to the altar. Give it over to Him, so that He might glorify it. 

• We become what we focus our time and energy on. 

• Nothing on this earth is ours - it all belongs to our Heavenly Father. 

• Do you want to be loving? Or do you want to be right? 

• Where do you take your pain? If you do not come before the cross to be transformed, you transmit that pain to others. 

• Divine Mercy is Mercy given before mercy/forgiveness is asked. That is Christ on the Cross. 

• The one who has been forgiven much - forgives much. 

The most important words in marriage and family life are not, I love you, but I forgive you. 

I can do nothing by myself. He gives me the grace to do all things. Jesus, Son of David, Have Mercy on Me! 

May I practice this awareness in this beautiful season of the year. With my hands wide open, a heart full of receptivity, and the intention to acknowledge when I am switching gears into achievement mode. 

Lady K’s One Thing:

The best winter chapstick to save your dry lips! I love the way it smells and it has a very light tingly sensation when you apply it, which makes my lips feel hydrated. Amish Origins Lip Doc Chapstick - https://bit.ly/47o2D5j

A Continual Work in Progress, 

Lady K