It’s that time of year again; the temperatures start to drop as summer slips into fall. Everywhere you turn there is fresh inspiration for some new way to decorate, some new thing to bake, a new activity to do with your kids and of course a whole new way to dress… What is a busy mom to do? How does one embrace who God designed them to be, live life to the fullest and yet not allow guilt to set in?

We actually don’t do much for “fall” here in the Arizona desert. We are simply happy that the temperatures are dipping below 100 degrees. But I do love to celebrate the idea of harvest and Thanksgiving. We have gone all out some years and re-enacted the trip on the Mayflower – complete with camping out in a small square of space, eating stale biscuits, sausage and such. Other years, we simply talk about being thankful. There are no fancy decorations, no elaborate plans – simply real-life living and meaningful conversation. And you know what? I didn’t have a lick of guilt. Want to know my secret?

Pray and Plan:

I take a little bit of time to step back from my busy days to pray and plan. Seasonal shifts and holidays provide so many rich opportunities. Which one is right for me and my family THIS year? I look at my stage in life, our calendar and then pray. God is always faithful to lead. Next, I jot down some notes. If I want to go “all-out”, I write down my plans for that. If I know I want to keep it simpler, I’ll note an idea or two that I saw on Pinterest or a blog and maybe a topic to discuss with my kids.

Once my plan is in place, there is no room for guilt. Why? Because I’ve prayed about it and selected what is best for my family at this time. I don’t have to worry about trying to be like anyone else. If (who am I kidding) when I see an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. idea, I simply add it to a Pinterest board and know that I can look at using it the following year. Pinterest is now my tool, not my slavemaster!

Appreciate:

Home décor is not my thing. But that doesn’t mean I need to judge someone else who enjoys constantly redecorating and excels in this area. I have a friend who goes all out for the seasons. Each season finds her bringing out holiday or seasonal placemats, her home is transformed as she channels her inner Martha Stewart. It’s easy to either be filled with jealousy and guilt or swing to the other side and judge her for wasting time in an attempt to feel better about myself. It’s important to avoid both of these extremes. We need to embrace and appreciate the diversity of gifting’s and interests that God’s given each one of us! When I ask, my décor savvy friends help me out. In return, I share ideas for fun interactive learning which happens to be my passion.

So what is your thing? Pursue it. What’s an area where you want to grow? Reach out to a friend or utilize that amazing Pinterest link. And when you feel at peace with your direction, resist the temptation to do something that you aren’t called to do right now.

Whether you do a lot or a little, as long as it is what you are supposed to be doing, it’s perfect! Live each day with intention and release the rest!