I think it's safe to say that women are exceptionally good at carrying around guilt. I blame it on all the life juggling we do. Hustle here, race there…. hurry hurry hurry! Some days zing right on by and leave us wondering, what day is this? Or maybe it's just me.
But I tend to feel guilty when …
I've had a long day and my body doesn't want to cooperate with me to have a delicious dinner cooked for my family. Being too tired (to cook) is a real bummer! Even if no one complains, my brain says, "Geez you lazy loser!".
I've let the laundry pile up because I either have to choose to provide meals with my limited energy or wash underwear. I hear, "You suck!" if one of my kids (innocently) asks if I've seen a certain shirt or pair of jeans.
I complain about my job or the frustrating moments that threaten to do me in to my hubby or kids who have their own crosses to bear at work. Realizing, everyone struggles with job stress! I feel guilty for "unloading"!
Or if I forget something important: a bill to be paid, a deadline for a project, an item on my grocery list, quiet time…whatever. I pour guilt over my head like a bucket of ashes!
Even this post is making me feel guilty. Maybe it's just the nature of my personality. It's not like I'm just skipping through life not paying attention. I am. Every day, I'm paying attention to what booms the loudest. What beckons my attention for the most part….I'd like to believe, is what God deems is most important.
So, why am I feeling guilty?
Because I've trained myself to and I've bought into the lies that if I don't do this or that then I'm not worthy. A zinger sent straight from satan. Logically, I know I'm not a lazy mom or a loser but if I don't measure up in my own head…then I cling to what's most familiar to me, guilt.
From this moment on…I plan to take off my cloak of guilt. It's not really mine to wear anyway. It belongs to satan and he can keep it right along with bitterness, jealousy and strife. My life is great! I don't have to live it feeling guilty over stupid issues that really mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. My family loves me and sees that for the most part, I'm trying my best. I have great intentions and even if dinner isn't a smorgasborg or someone has to choose a different outfit…..I don't have to feel guilty!
And neither do you!
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1