PEACE IN THE HOME, Part II

Peace with Yourself

 

        We spend our lives in a tug-of-war with ourselves.  Since humans are self-centered by nature and our thirst for righteousness compels us try to be selfless, we often neglect our true needs.  Here are some steps that will help you be more peaceful in your home by making peace with yourself.

1.     Make time for your time with God.

Don’t make this a chore. Rest in Him. Receive a refreshing as from a dear friend.  Remember he has been waiting for you.  We are all too conscientious; we work too hard, complicating our relationship with God.  Relax, he loves you. Read. Sing. Dance.  Praise.  Or just be quiet with Him. Remember: He never intended for us to do this job without him.

2.   Make a schedule that includes you. 

Plan time in your schedule to be alone. This may include your time for special grooming or putting private things in order.  Sorting or filing things you use or need can prevent stress later.  Take time for an activity only you enjoy, or join a friend.  You may just need time to rest.  If you don’t plan it you will steal it from other projects or just be under-productive. Failing to plan time for yourself will eventually cause you to build resentment.  

3.    Watch how you talk to yourself.

Do some vocabulary work.  Our own internal language is often more destructive to us than the words of others.  We set ourselves up for failure because our words to ourselves are not words of grace and encouragement.  Eliminate words like should, must, have to, ought to, and especially, should have. It is human to have regrets, but you can’t live backwards. 

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13-14NIV

4.   Allow yourself to be only human.

You are to do all you can, the best you can, but no   more.  Let go, let God.  You are responsible for the work but He is in charge of the outcome.  Have you done your best?  Then you must rest in that truth.  No one can require more of you – not even you.  It is especially important to acknowledge this when others are not satisfied.  Keep hold of this quiet truth; don’t expect others to understand.  It will keep you at peace even in the midst of turmoil. 

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3 NIV