I am not enough and neither are you

My husband, Jason, and I watch the entire Harry Potter series every year beginning in the month of October. It is one of my most favorite movie series and we both really look forward to watching them together. The other night we watched the fifth movie, which is based off of "The Order of The Phoenix." There's one part that I've always liked because it is so relatable, as a woman. It could very well be a conversation that Jason and I could actually have...and maybe have had before. It's when Hermoine is speaking with Ron and Harry about how another student must be feeling after her boyfriend died, but then has begun "moving on,"

Hermione: "Don't you understand how she must be feeling? Well obviously she's feeling sad about Cedric, and therefore confused about liking Harry, guilty about kissing him, conflicted because Umbridge is pressing to sack her mum from the Ministry, and frightened about failing her OWLs because she's so busy worrying about everything else."

Ron: "One person couldn't feel all that! They'd explode!

Hermione: "Just because you've got the emotional range of a teaspoon...

I mean maybe it seems a bit juvenile to compare it with Harry Potter (except it is awesome and totally acceptable in our Hive), but that's kind of how I'm feeling these days. A lot of different emotions all at one time. I've got such a strong desire to be the best wife, mom, teacher, cook, etc around here that it often leaves me with a lot of conflicting emotions. You know why? Because I can't be 100% in all of those roles 100% of the time. It can be very disheartening to know that you can't do, give, be your best when really that's all that you desire to do. When I am being the best version of "mom" by giving my kids my undivided attention and playing tea party for the 106th time (after giving each other complete make overs) then I am neglecting my role of "teacher" because we haven't done school yet, and it's already 2pm. There are countless examples that I could give, and I'm sure you've got your own versions to add as well.

So I try to refocus and I come across these verses in the Bible that say:

I think these are to remind us that we are, in fact, not enough. On our own we are not enough and never will be, but with Him we are made enough. Every single day He shows us mercy and faithfulness. Without Him we can do nothing, but with Him we can do everything. We are weak, and so much of what we think matters is what we define by our doing. When really all that matters is what is defined by His doing.  He proves His goodness to us every morning by giving us a "do-over" so we should allow ourselves some grace too. He never gives up on us so we shouldn't give up on ourselves either. In all of my efforts I will fail if I do not have Him at the center of my thinking, doing, saying. So this tells me that I ought to accept, and boast, and be content (!) in my weaknesses and short comings...my ability to not be 100%. I cannot be that. I can never be enough, and neither can you, but He can. And He can be enough for us...through us. We need only let Him.

So be encouraged out there mommas who are trying to fill all those "roles" of yourselves, you can do it and be enough...with Christ. Be encouraged college student who is swamped with papers, and projects, and classes, you can make it through and be enough...with Christ. Be encouraged those of you who are facing a trial, you can walk that valley and be enough...with Christ. Do it, and tell others how it's not you doing it at all...it's Christ. He is enough.

<3