It’s often said of mothers, grandmothers, all matriarchs, that they are the glue that keeps the family together and functioning. We often feel that pressure. We, traditionally, keep the schedules and calendars, plan the parties, bake the cookies, and make sure the school work is happening at a level it should. We dress the family for photos and schedule the photographer after choosing the prefect location and props for the session. Kudos to all the mammas and daddies who are making memories and traditions and getting food on the table. Sometimes this pressure (most of which we place on ourselves) is overwhelming. I often need a reminder from my husband or close friend that I’m worried about many things that just don’t matter.

Recently, I’ve been reading a devotional in my Bible app by Amy Seiffert called Restoring Our View of Motherhood. I’ve been really blessed and challenged every day, but today really hit home. In it she says, this:

Jesus holds all things together. I keep forgetting. I continue to believe that I hold all things together. That it’s my job to keep all the plates spinning, all the schedules coordinated, all the people happy around me.

Amy Seiffert, Restoring Our View of Motherhood

Why do we feel like everyone’s happiness, success, character, etc, are our responsibility? For me this also extends to those we serve in ministry. I am mamma to many people. I’m the oldest child in my immediate family. I am mom to five amazing children and (my fave) wife to one of the smartest and thoughtful people on the planet. But sometimes I get wrapped up in trying to be all the things for everyone. I forget the overarching reason for planning church services, parties, meals, and education.

But if Jesus really is the center of all things and the creator of all that is in heaven and on earth, invisible and visible, then this certainly includes my daily life. My schedule. My plates.

Amy Seiffert, Restoring Our View of Motherhood

I find I am daily having to crucify my to-do list and ask God to help me release the things that really don’t matter, anything that is more about what others think, and anything that just isn’t His will. If I do not, I am tempted to once again think that it is me holding our family and our corps (church) together.

If I am truly trusting in my Shepherd to guide me, then my days will have time for quiet meditation and devotions, playing with my children, and loving my spouse. My calendar will have room for God appointments and flexibility for life to happen. It will have healthy boundaries that honor God and all the people he has placed in my care. I am not the glue, He is.