Be yourself, but always your better self. Karl G. Maeser
I received the call on a blazing hot afternoon⏤family was coming for an overnight stay. While I was thrilled with the idea of seeing them, I began stressing over details that multiplied quicker than the bunny next door.
At one point, I was convinced that my innate Southern hospitality would override the anxiety. I mean, surely I could put on a smile like the one I do when walking into church after arguing with Brian all the way there. *wink*
Or, I could be myself⏤a woman who deeply desires to love others without surrendering to anxiety.
The inner struggle continued up to a mere hour before their arrival.
Brian wasn’t home and I was scurrying from room to room trying to convince myself I could cover all evidence of the ever-encroaching anxiety. But God wasn’t having it. I slowly made my way to the couch, plopped down, and stayed quiet until this prayer emerged from my weary soul:
Father, help me to be who I cannot be without You.
Father, help me to be who I cannot be without You. Share on XGod knew my heart. He knew I wanted to love and enjoy my guests. He knew I wanted them to feel welcomed. But He also knew my limitations, struggles, and above all, my sinful nature that often desires comfort at any cost. Even at the cost of loving others well.
I can only say (due to the wonder of it all) that at one point during their visit, Brian looked over and asked what I’d done with his wife. You see, my hubby is also well acquainted with the struggle between my desire to be the woman God created me to be and the anxiety. Too often, he’s seen the latter win the battles. He could barely recognize a win.
I’ve prayed the same prayer more than once since that summer afternoon, not because those eleven words help me to be a better me, but because the sincere desire releases God’s power to help me be more like Him.
I wish I could say that all my desires are this pure, but they’re not. I am what God calls a WIP — Work In Progress. Maybe this is why we like hanging out together. 🙂
If so, this is my prayer for us:
Is there a particular role in your life that longs for God’s leading?
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought I’d share a little yummy-licious giveaway today! I wish I could give one to every gracious person who takes time to read what the Lord lays on my heart to share but since I can’t *sigh*, I’ll randomly draw a name from the comment section this Friday. I hope you’ll take a moment to leave a comment because if your name is drawn, you’ll win this nifty Starbucks reusable cup (=discounted coffee) and a 5.00 cup o’ coffee gift card.
Hi Cathy, I go through the same thing when I find out company is coming. I go crazy trying to get everything ready and when they arrive things are fine but I’m exhausted from the work I’ve done and from my worrying about everything being perfect. I can hardly enjoy their visit because I just want to be left alone and collaspe. It’s awful. Next time I’m going to give to God and pray. Hopefully things will be different. Thanks for writing this article.
I have a feeling we’re not alone, Jean, but we know God doesn’t want to leave us there. So thankful you were encouraged by the post and I’d love to hear an “update” after your next company heads home. 🙂 Blessings!!
We love to entertain, but every time we prepare for a big party there is a moment (or maybe an hour) when I vow to never have a party again. Then I find that I shouldn’t have stressed; the fun of the party far overrides the stress of getting ready for it. God usually makes sure that everything comes together beautifully.
I couldn’t help but smile… (or maybe an hour) – 🙂
But you’re so right, Linda. When we choose to open the home God gave us, He blesses those efforts in ways we never imagined. Thank you for taking the time to share! Miss you.
I can hear you speaking to me with today’s post, Cathy. Writing is where I’m weak and it takes the power of God to get me write what’s in my heart. Then it takes the strength of the Spirit of God to push me to share what I’ve written.
However, your message today is such an encouragement that I’ve pinned your prayer on my Encouragement board on Pinterest. Hopefully, another in need of your words will read this post too.
Write on!
Carolyn, it’s obvious to me and to many others Who leads when you write. I’m thankful this post encouraged you and hopefully others as well. To God be the glory!
Hi, Cathy! I love that little prayer. I prayed it and need to remember it ☺
Hi Jennifer! I wrote it down in my journal for safekeeping. My memory isn’t the greatest these days. 🙂 Thanks for taking time to share. Always love seeing you here!
I not only needed to read this blog today but pray the prayer you shared. I just blew it today. Thankfully our Lord loves, forgives and restores. Blessings for always being an encouraging and honest woman of faith.
Amen, Elaine! The ability to rest in God’s forgiveness and restorative grace is a beautiful gift we can receive because of Jesus. I often remind myself that God’s mercy is new EVERY morning (Lamentations 3). Thank you for your transparency sweet friend.
Thank you Cathy. I really enjoyed your post. I know how you feel. I always want everything perfect for our guests. I need to remember your prayer when I get frustrated.
Thanks for sharing, Jann. I wrote it down in my journal as a reminder to pray it often. 🙂 Blessings!!
I love this, because many of us have been there. How easily we forget whose we are. Thanks for sharing your heart!
I agree, Betty. So many distractions from outside circumstances and internal struggles can keep us from remembering Whose we are but it’s a blessing to know the answer is just a prayer away. He is a good, good Father. 🙂 Blessings and thank you for taking the time to share.
Good morning Cathy. I have been reading Romans 8:1-16, meditating Spirit first. Your 11 word prayer helped me see I may not be asking for the help I need to overcome my flesh. Thank you dear sister in Christ, Julie
And thank you for sharing, Julie. 🙂 To God be the glory!
So well written. I have been in similar situations and this will help me next time!
Thank you for sharing, Lori. 🙂 It’s nice knowing we’re not alone in the struggle and I’m glad the post will help in the future. Blessings!
*sigh* I so get you. Yes, Lord. Help 🙂 Thank you, Cathy. Love your honesty.
Aww, this made me smile, Charla. 🙂 Love from SC!
I love your prayer – Father, help me to be who I cannot be without You. Easy to remember and so powerful. I also enjoy your posts because they are so down-to-earth and transparent. I often see myself through your eyes. Thanks Cathy.
Thank you for your kind words, Sheryl. They mean more than you could possibly know. 🙂 Blessings!
“He could barely recognize a win.” Hahaha! Oh, how I’ve been there! Thank you for sharing your heart and for encouraging us to seek HIS. Great post 🙂
Thank you, Leigh Ann. 🙂 Nice to know I’m not alone. ha!
Love this…and your transparency!
Thank you, Beth. 🙂
Love this post and your beautiful prayer so very timely!
I love to be hospitable and have friends and guests over and bless them but I do get quite stressed in the process much to my husbands dismay! I just want everywhere to look lovely and for everyone to have a super time! I think for me it’s a confidence issue and I am going to write your prayer down in my prayer diary so I don’t forget it. Thank you Cathy for your wonderful honesty, warmth and for blessing so many Sisters in Christ x
Thank you, Joanne. I totally get it, wanting things to be lovely and for everyone to enjoy themselves. I pray that God will use your heartfelt prayer for His glory. Thank you for taking the time to share. God bless!