What I Don’t Do…

Thank you so much for letting me share my heart last week on “What I Do”. There was so much freedom in listing my priorities, and where God has me. Understanding my role and where things fit in, is so helpful in identifying where I can be used best, and what things to say “yes” to.  I’m such a work-in-progress, but I’m thankful for the calling in my life.

What I Don't Do - Prioritizing Motherhood

When I better understood What I Do, I could better evaluate What I Don’t Do or at least do well, and come to terms with who God hasn’t made me to be.  Sure, I can grow in these areas to some degree, but I no longer have to fight to be everything and do everything. I can stop the comparison game for good. I can stop making excuses when I don’t seem to add up.  I don’t have to become something I’m not made for…

These are my don’ts, they certainly don’t have to be yours.  Our gifts are different, and that is a stunningly beautiful thing.

So Here’s a List of The Things I Don’t Do :

>>> I Don’t Do Gourmet Cooking. If I haven’t heard of an ingredient in the recipe, I’m probably not going to try it.  I like simple, real foods that are family-friendly, and ready in a reasonable time. I’ll never be a star on Food Network, but I can still watch and drool, and appreciate those who are much more talented {and patient} in the kitchen than I.

>>> I Don’t Do Marathons. Life is a marathon as it is, I won’t be running one any time soon.  I exercise for health and well-being.  I call myself a casual runner, but I’m not planning more than a 5K, and I think I can find accomplishment in this without running for hours.

>>> I Don’t Do Fancy. I don’t mind getting a little dressed up, but most of the time you’ll find me dressing comfortably.  I don’t own a pair of heels or expensive jewelry, or have a fabulous wardrobe.  I certainly don’t want to be frumpy or let myself go, but I’m far from runway material.

>>> I Don’t Keep a Perfect House. I try to keep up on laundry,bathrooms, and general tidiness, but there’s dust on the piano and fingerprints on my windows. And shockingly, this doesn’t make me a terrible mother.

>>> I Don’t Do Elaborate Hosting. I take “make yourself at home” policy literally when I have guests in my home. I want them to feel welcome and comfortable, and I’m happy to go out of my way to do so, but we still have to live here when we have guests. That probably means things like family-friendly foods, toys on the floor at the end of the day, and you might have to replace the toilet paper if my boys leave you hanging.  After all, it doesn’t have to be elaborate to be entertaining.

>>> I Don’t Do Crafting That Requires More Than School Supplies. I burnt myself about 17 times last week on the glue gun, proving once again that I don’t have stellar crafting or DIY skills. I don’t do power tools. I’m a pretty big failure on Pinterest terms, but it’s just not how I was “created”.

>>> I Don’t Do Busy. Some people thrive on having a full calendar and places to go every night.  They can be involved in multiple activities a week, fulfill social commitments, volunteer, etc without getting burnt out. I run best on simple, and busy is my nemesis. Sure we have commitments through the week, and fun social excursions, but I need time at home with my family to recharge, and live together.

I don’t do scrapbooking. I don’t do paleo. I don’t do competitive mothering. I don’t do sewing, basket weaving, or paint by number. I don’t do complicated, and I certainly don’t do perfect. And it’s okay. I’m called to do THIS, not be all these things.

So I’m curious, do we share any “Don’ts?” What Don’t YOU Do?

 

>>> Related: What I Do