Tag Archives: faith

When FOMO Creeps In

Proverbs 19:21 says, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” I got at least three emails and two texts today about upcoming events or activities for my son. ? ?To put this in perspective, he just turned six and he can barely read, but the world is pursuing him like he has unlimited talent and resources. And yet, I sit and fret about how I might fit in the activities in his busy schedule. ?

Here’s the rub: the FOMO – fear of missing out – can creep in faster than we want it to as moms, because we also believe our kids are limitless. We want the world for them. Society says we would be bad moms if we didn’t.

However, when I make many plans, how often do I stop and ask God to reveal His purpose for them? And does God think I am a bad mom if I am not involving my son in every activity under the sun? Does my purpose for thinking of enrolling my son in a certain activity or saying Yes to something align with my core values, or am I making decisions based on FOMO? Is it actually FOMO, or worse, KOWTJ – keeping up with the Joneses? Read more about how to deal with FOMO in Laura and Anna’s text from Monday,  where they share such wise words like, “If we’re meant to get there, we will, when the time is right.”

We all know comparison is the thief of joy, but it also clouds our awareness of God’s purposes. When I look at my calendar these days, I am challenging myself to look up instead of just out over the vast forest of work to accomplish.✅

When we look up, let’s take a deep breath and invite God into where we are — even if it is just Scouts or another birthday party. If He is God, He cares about every event just as much if not more than we do. ???

The truth is, God’s purpose will be revealed whether or not we are hastily trekking from one plan to the next. He has grace over our busyness, and he reveals grace in our rest too. ?? We are blessed when we come in and blessed when we go out, Mamas. ? There is no fear in love, because perfect love casts out fear (of missing out).

?Jo

P.S.: If you like the verse image from this post, we encourage you to take a screenshot of it here or on our Instagram stories and make it the background on your phone or computer to remind you of God’s grace over the FOMO in your life.

Beyond That Restless Place

In our new Monday post, Laura talks about struggling through an “in-between” time in her life, and I tell Laura that I just got through that. I want to explain a little bit more about my story there, in case you’re in that restless place too.?

A little over three years ago, I found myself overloaded. I was working two part-time jobs, managing two blogs, among other various things. My daily routine was insane; it amounted to putting out the biggest fires first.♨️ (Oh, and by the way, I had three kids: ages 4, 7, and 10!)

Feeling like I was running on empty and not giving my kids enough of my energy, I quit my favorite part-time job (directing a musical), and most of the other commitments I had. I built my schedule around my kids.

Over the next year, I had that increasingly nagging feeling of restlessness that Laura talked about. And any time someone asked me about my “passion” or my next steps in my career, I had the worst sinking feeling inside.?

The following year, my youngest started Kindergarten. I had no more “babies” at home.? I quit my other part-time job. I started praying almost daily for God to show me what was next, but I felt like there was no answer. In an effort to make money and stay on the same schedule as my kids, I started subbing.

At the end of the school year, I saw a job posting on the bulletin board of one of the schools where I subbed: Junior High Theater Director position. I thought — God put this notice RIGHT HERE so I could see it.?

I applied for the job and talked to the principal. He wanted to hire a current staff member, no matter how much experience I had. I was so disappointed, and confused–Why did God lead me here??

I faced the fact that I had given up one of my passions — directing — and I couldn’t get it back. I had made a huge mistake.

Three days later, I got a call out of the blue from my former boss (from my original directing job). Due to certain circumstances, she was offering me the job again! My heart soared! ?

Suddenly I realized, it had all come together! The next year, when my youngest would be in full- day first grade, I would be able to write and direct the musical in the fall/winter–my two favorite things!!!? I honestly think that God let me see that job posting so that I would realize how much I missed directing and my heart was open to it when I got that call.

Looking back now over the past 3 years, God has been PERFECTLY faithful. Although it felt incredibly slow, He had it all along. And He knew the desires of my heart when I wasn’t even ready to admit what they were. He knew I needed to clear my plate and start over.

Now, honestly, the restless feeling is totally gone. When I think about my path ahead, I don’t know exactly where it will go, but I feel much more at peace that He’s already preparing it for me–good things.?

If you are feeling lost today, not sure what your future holds, hang on. He’s working on it. He’s always up ahead of us, preparing the way.? And do not fear saying “no” to something right now. If it’s the right thing for your life, God will bring it back around.
?Anna