Does Anyone Else Suffer from a Persistent Case of "Christian Guilt"?

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seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#1
Hey Everyone,

As singles, we are always told to use our time and resources to do what we can to serve the Lord, because it's assumed that we must of plenty of everything to spare.

But how do we know if what we're doing is "ever enough", or if we are constantly "missing the mark"?

I was up early this morning in order to try to hit the gym; after working a few extra shifts this week, I haven't been able to go in a couple of weeks, and so I was very much looking forward to a relaxing hour of just walking on the treadmill and reading. I've had a lot going on lately and so I really needed that time to be able to be lost in my own head and just decompress from the stresses of life.

Seeing as it was 5:30 in the morning and all the treadmills were deserted, I picked one off to the side so that I could just kind of curl up in the corner and try to stop the spinning in my own head. And then... even though every other treadmill was open, an older gentleman (probably around 65) specifically picked the one next to me.

I knew what was going to happen.

I was very much just trying to read an article that I've been trying to finish for a week as it is... But the gentleman started asking me what I was reading, and then tried to open a conversation by stating that he was frustrated with the fact that no one ever wants to just talk. He said he'd just tried to start a conversation with a guy near the locker rooms but the guy had given a one-word answer and walked off. He then immediately went into a dialogue about how he had been overseas for the past 6 months and that Americans don't know how good they have it... and was trying to launch into an all-out verbal campaign of his social and political views, if only I'd listen.

And all I wanted to do was work out. I felt so bad because it sounds like this person really needed to talk, and normally, I would have gladly listened. But one of the things I was trying to calm down from was a week's worth of trying to leave work when my time was done but always being caught up by people who needed to vent for 20 minutes straight before I tried to go home.

I politely excused myself from the conversation and the gentlemen told me to have a good day, and promptly left. He had gotten on that treadmill just because he wanted to talk to me, and I felt bad for what I'm sure he saw as me snubbing him.

I wound up spending the rest of my time at the gym repenting. I told God, "I'm really sorry that I failed that man, Lord. But please, isn't it ok... that I really needed this time for myself? Because I feel empty and you know I'm trying very hard to find something that pushes my own 'reset' button..." After all, we can't give to others if we're not taking care of ourselves. But how do you find a balance?

I find myself struggling with this all the time. If I have $10 in my pocket, I wonder if I'm allowed to keep it, or spend it on something frivolous, or if God wants me to give it away to someone (and this is after I've paid my regular tithes and offerings.) I've been in situations where I'll meet mothers in domestic violence situations and have wondered if I should let them and their children stay with me (a male Christian friend once scolded me for not doing so, and for "not doing everything I could" to help a person in that situation.) Praise God for the counsel of a wise Christian woman who pointed out that this is not a very smart thing to do at all, seeing it would have made me another target for the abuser.

I am constantly second-guessing myself, and to be honest, I feel worn down, because there are some things in my life I'm trying to cope with as well, and I don't know how to balance my own needs with those of others.

As singles, we are often told that we have more time and resources that should be used for the good of the Kingdom, and of course, I agree with that.

But does anyone else out there find themselves constantly questioning if they're doing enough, or whether or not God is convicting them to do more?

How does one tell the difference, and when do you know you've found a healthy measure of in-between?

Thanks in advance for your answers. I'm looking forward to learning how others manage these challenges.

(Our married friends out there are welcome to post as well--I'm sure that everyone out there has some good tips to share about how to balance the demands of life, and I'd love to hear them all.)
 

blue_ladybug

Senior Member
Feb 21, 2014
70,860
9,579
113
#2
Just making an observation here. :) You kind of sound like if we don't do enough works, then we're not effectively serving God.
I think He expects us to do what we are able to do, be it giving money, or time, or even just a listening ear. :) I definitely think we need to take time to take care of ourselves, but we also need to tend to the needs of others as well.

As far as you trying to read your book at the gym, well, couldn't you read it just as well (or even better) at home? :) I get wanting to be left alone while you're trying to relax, but maybe sometimes God has us multi-task while we're relaxing. :)
 
S

Susanna

Guest
#3
Hey Everyone,

As singles, we are always told to use our time and resources to do what we can to serve the Lord, because it's assumed that we must of plenty of everything to spare.

But how do we know if what we're doing is "ever enough", or if we are constantly "missing the mark"?

I was up early this morning in order to try to hit the gym; after working a few extra shifts this week, I haven't been able to go in a couple of weeks, and so I was very much looking forward to a relaxing hour of just walking on the treadmill and reading. I've had a lot going on lately and so I really needed that time to be able to be lost in my own head and just decompress from the stresses of life.

Seeing as it was 5:30 in the morning and all the treadmills were deserted, I picked one off to the side so that I could just kind of curl up in the corner and try to stop the spinning in my own head. And then... even though every other treadmill was open, an older gentleman (probably around 65) specifically picked the one next to me.

I knew what was going to happen.

I was very much just trying to read an article that I've been trying to finish for a week as it is... But the gentleman started asking me what I was reading, and then tried to open a conversation by stating that he was frustrated with the fact that no one ever wants to just talk. He said he'd just tried to start a conversation with a guy near the locker rooms but the guy had given a one-word answer and walked off. He then immediately went into a dialogue about how he had been overseas for the past 6 months and that Americans don't know how good they have it... and was trying to launch into an all-out verbal campaign of his social and political views, if only I'd listen.

And all I wanted to do was work out. I felt so bad because it sounds like this person really needed to talk, and normally, I would have gladly listened. But one of the things I was trying to calm down from was a week's worth of trying to leave work when my time was done but always being caught up by people who needed to vent for 20 minutes straight before I tried to go home.

I politely excused myself from the conversation and the gentlemen told me to have a good day, and promptly left. He had gotten on that treadmill just because he wanted to talk to me, and I felt bad for what I'm sure he saw as me snubbing him.

I wound up spending the rest of my time at the gym repenting. I told God, "I'm really sorry that I failed that man, Lord. But please, isn't it ok... that I really needed this time for myself? Because I feel empty and you know I'm trying very hard to find something that pushes my own 'reset' button..." After all, we can't give to others if we're not taking care of ourselves. But how do you find a balance?

I find myself struggling with this all the time. If I have $10 in my pocket, I wonder if I'm allowed to keep it, or spend it on something frivolous, or if God wants me to give it away to someone (and this is after I've paid my regular tithes and offerings.) I've been in situations where I'll meet mothers in domestic violence situations and have wondered if I should let them and their children stay with me (a male Christian friend once scolded me for not doing so, and for "not doing everything I could" to help a person in that situation.) Praise God for the counsel of a wise Christian woman who pointed out that this is not a very smart thing to do at all, seeing it would have made me another target for the abuser.

I am constantly second-guessing myself, and to be honest, I feel worn down, because there are some things in my life I'm trying to cope with as well, and I don't know how to balance my own needs with those of others.

As singles, we are often told that we have more time and resources that should be used for the good of the Kingdom, and of course, I agree with that.

But does anyone else out there find themselves constantly questioning if they're doing enough, or whether or not God is convicting them to do more?

How does one tell the difference, and when do you know you've found a healthy measure of in-between?

Thanks in advance for your answers. I'm looking forward to learning how others manage these challenges.

(Our married friends out there are welcome to post as well--I'm sure that everyone out there has some good tips to share about how to balance the demands of life, and I'd love to hear them all.)
Seoulsearch, after reading how your wonderful mind works, I realize that I'm a psychopath.

If I wasn't in a small talk mood, I'd most likely told him to hit the road leaving no doubt that I meant it.

Wouldn't bother me for a splitsecond saying that.

One of us needs to work on our relationships to others:p.

And I don't think it's you.
 

Rosemaryx

Senior Member
May 3, 2017
3,708
4,072
113
62
#4
Hey Everyone,

As singles, we are always told to use our time and resources to do what we can to serve the Lord, because it's assumed that we must of plenty of everything to spare.

But how do we know if what we're doing is "ever enough", or if we are constantly "missing the mark"?

I was up early this morning in order to try to hit the gym; after working a few extra shifts this week, I haven't been able to go in a couple of weeks, and so I was very much looking forward to a relaxing hour of just walking on the treadmill and reading. I've had a lot going on lately and so I really needed that time to be able to be lost in my own head and just decompress from the stresses of life.

Seeing as it was 5:30 in the morning and all the treadmills were deserted, I picked one off to the side so that I could just kind of curl up in the corner and try to stop the spinning in my own head. And then... even though every other treadmill was open, an older gentleman (probably around 65) specifically picked the one next to me.

I knew what was going to happen.

I was very much just trying to read an article that I've been trying to finish for a week as it is... But the gentleman started asking me what I was reading, and then tried to open a conversation by stating that he was frustrated with the fact that no one ever wants to just talk. He said he'd just tried to start a conversation with a guy near the locker rooms but the guy had given a one-word answer and walked off. He then immediately went into a dialogue about how he had been overseas for the past 6 months and that Americans don't know how good they have it... and was trying to launch into an all-out verbal campaign of his social and political views, if only I'd listen.

And all I wanted to do was work out. I felt so bad because it sounds like this person really needed to talk, and normally, I would have gladly listened. But one of the things I was trying to calm down from was a week's worth of trying to leave work when my time was done but always being caught up by people who needed to vent for 20 minutes straight before I tried to go home.

I politely excused myself from the conversation and the gentlemen told me to have a good day, and promptly left. He had gotten on that treadmill just because he wanted to talk to me, and I felt bad for what I'm sure he saw as me snubbing him.

I wound up spending the rest of my time at the gym repenting. I told God, "I'm really sorry that I failed that man, Lord. But please, isn't it ok... that I really needed this time for myself? Because I feel empty and you know I'm trying very hard to find something that pushes my own 'reset' button..." After all, we can't give to others if we're not taking care of ourselves. But how do you find a balance?

I find myself struggling with this all the time. If I have $10 in my pocket, I wonder if I'm allowed to keep it, or spend it on something frivolous, or if God wants me to give it away to someone (and this is after I've paid my regular tithes and offerings.) I've been in situations where I'll meet mothers in domestic violence situations and have wondered if I should let them and their children stay with me (a male Christian friend once scolded me for not doing so, and for "not doing everything I could" to help a person in that situation.) Praise God for the counsel of a wise Christian woman who pointed out that this is not a very smart thing to do at all, seeing it would have made me another target for the abuser.

I am constantly second-guessing myself, and to be honest, I feel worn down, because there are some things in my life I'm trying to cope with as well, and I don't know how to balance my own needs with those of others.

As singles, we are often told that we have more time and resources that should be used for the good of the Kingdom, and of course, I agree with that.

But does anyone else out there find themselves constantly questioning if they're doing enough, or whether or not God is convicting them to do more?

How does one tell the difference, and when do you know you've found a healthy measure of in-between?

Thanks in advance for your answers. I'm looking forward to learning how others manage these challenges.

(Our married friends out there are welcome to post as well--I'm sure that everyone out there has some good tips to share about how to balance the demands of life, and I'd love to hear them all.)
Hi SS...Oh my yes , them thoughts are always floating around " Am I doing enough for the LORD " and they drive me crazy if I let them get the better of me...I have just got over a week of feeling useless , not knowing if I am bearing fruit , not doing enough , etc , etc , etc, and what happened to me , i started to fall into a depression and became a sobbing wreck :rolleyes:...

That is what happens when we take our eyes off the LORD and start looking at ourselves , we see how weak we are , we notice all the things we do not do , and the whispers start in our ears , the evil one rubs his filthy hands together saying yes I found a crack in her...

A great Scripture that is good to remember for times like this , times when we do not want to talk or entertain people is this ...Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose...Maybe God was giving you the time you are craving for , maybe you are looking to deep and now adding to your stress that you are seeking to get away from , either way , remember , Jesus went away on His own many times and did not want company of others ...Do not be to hard on yourself , God knows your heart and motive , you answered the man , but you did not want to converse in his conversation , I am sure if he wanted to talk about Jesus , your action would of been [FONT=Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]completely[/FONT] different :)...Sorry if I seem to be waffling lol , enjoy your time out , and the LORD will refresh you...xox...
 

notmyown

Senior Member
May 26, 2016
4,585
1,045
113
#5
who in the world is giving all these lectures to single people? i'm perplexed about this, as if single life has no challenges?
could this be a source of guilt? i wouldn't DREAM of telling my single kids to do more; try harder. they're already doing the best they can, and frankly, it would make me want to punch someone right in the face to hear them say anything like that. (lol)

anyway... i have no wisdom on this subject as i tend to vacillate between two extremes: give till exhausted, then hole up to recover. you'd think by this time in life i'd have a better handle on it, right? i guess i tend to go on an as needed basis, and deal with the fallout later.

you're a lovely woman, Kim. it's okay to read at the gym. ♥
 
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#6
I do agree with the guy's point though... that no one cares to have conversation with a stranger anymore. 20 years ago you could strike up a conversation about anything and people were at least receptive and tried to interject their thoughts about the subject even if it was just to be polite. Now you're lucky if someone gives more than a one word answer.... But your situation was unique and I'm sure that he would've left you alone if he'd known about it. Next time wear haedphones even if you're not actually using them... :rolleyes:

 
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seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#7
Just making an observation here. :) You kind of sound like if we don't do enough works, then we're not effectively serving God.
I think He expects us to do what we are able to do, be it giving money, or time, or even just a listening ear. :) I definitely think we need to take time to take care of ourselves, but we also need to tend to the needs of others as well.

As far as you trying to read your book at the gym, well, couldn't you read it just as well (or even better) at home? :) I get wanting to be left alone while you're trying to relax, but maybe sometimes God has us multi-task while we're relaxing. :)
I had thought about this and was pretty sure someone would bring this up, so thanks for knocking it out right off the bat, Blue. :)

One of the only times I have to reading anything I actually "want" to read is at the gym--that's why I look forward to it now and get restless when I don't have that time. I guess it's unfortunate that a good part of my "me" time also has to be spent in public.

I had thought about this too, that maybe God wanted me to sacrifice that hour listening to that man. But as I wrote in my original post, one of the things that was stressing me out is that, nearly every time after I punch out at work, someone wants to vent to me for an extended amount of time (sometimes an extra hour) when I'm at my most exhausted and just want to go home...

I know some will call me selfish for this, but I was sad at the thought of even having to give up the time I was trying to take to refill my own soul in order to be able to do it again next week.

Someone always needs someone to listen, and sometimes, that person is me.

I needed that time to be able to listen to my own thoughts, and be able to talk to God about them. I understand that this is what God wants us to do in the moment--to sacrifice even our time for ourselves, but seeing as I am always listening to people at most any given time, I needed a "get into the boat and get away from the crowds" moment, just like Jesus often chose to do for Himself.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#8
I do agree with the guy's point though... that no one cares to have conversation with a stranger anymore. 20 years ago you could strike up a conversation about anything and people were at least receptive and tried to interject their thoughts about the subject even if it was just to be polite. Now you're lucky if someone gives more than a one word answer.... But your situation was unique and I'm sure that he would've left you alone if he'd known about it. Next time wear haedphones even if you're not actually using them... :rolleyes:

I also feel a need to be particularly cautious in this setting.

The gym I go to is small and set near a retirement community, so many of the patrons are 20 to 30 years older than I am.

I am very careful to keep my "small talk" to a limit with any of the men, because many of them are married and I don't want to be seen as some kind of homewrecker or gold digger, and I know how easily those rumors can start.

I know I can't prevent people from thinking what they're going to think, but I try to be discerning about what I can do to prevent it, if possible.
 
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#9
I also feel a need to be particularly cautious in this setting.

The gym I go to is small and set near a retirement community, so many of the patrons are 20 to 30 years older than I am.

I am very careful to keep my "small talk" to a limit with any of the men, because many of them are married and I don't want to be seen as some kind of homewrecker or gold digger, and I know how easily those rumors can start.

I know I can't prevent people from thinking what they're going to think, but I try to be discerning about what I can do to prevent it, if possible.
Ahhh.... that explains a lot.. :rolleyes:
 

Demi777

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2014
6,877
1,949
113
Germany
#10
Single or not. That doesnt really matter. Fact is that we ARE human. I have had similar situations where i just had so much stuff going on in my own lifw that when someone else needs me i just cant handle it. Fact is u have to do something for urself aswell and not always only keep running for others. God knows this. Sometimes we even knock off Gods call because we struggle.
Its normal in life.
Dont feel bad for having money in ur pocket nor for sometimes using it to take a break for urself. When God wants u to give, u will know
I think that u are on overload sis. Of course God should be our number 1 but we should not take it to a measure where we break down. We need breaks too. God knows sis dont feel guilty for failing sometimes. We all do. Xx
 

Demi777

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2014
6,877
1,949
113
Germany
#11
Ps. People will chatter and talk trash about you no matter what u do or dont do. It doesnt matter. It shouldnt keep u from having a good time
 

Pipp

Majestic Llamacorn
Sep 17, 2013
5,536
2,701
113
Georgia
#12
I feel horrible guilt in taking time for myself. I feel like I'm letting someone down if I do.
I battle this very often. And also it feel's like in order to make one person happy I have to disappoint another person. And I hate that.

I know it has nothing to do with salvation or anything like rhat...so,I'm not trying to base my spirituality on it or anything. Just to male that clear.
 

JesusLives

Senior Member
Oct 11, 2013
14,551
2,171
113
#13
I think this is a good example of fine tuning our inner talk.... One of the things I look forward to in heaven or the earth made new is the fact that we won't have satan talking in our ears trying to lay guilt trips on us or telling us that we aren't good enough.

Remember satan is the accuser he looks for ways to make us feel worthless that we aren't doing enough that we aren't good enough and guess what on that count he is right - we will never be worthy or good enough as our best is like a filthy rage.

But remember....GOD LOVES YOU and has done everything that needed to be done for our salvation.

So again I say learn to fine tune your inner hearing and listening as God is not accusing you or trying to lay a guilt trip on you. He is saying I love you come and REST in ME....

Jesus went off many times to be alone as the crowds pressed in around him all the time when he was out and about. After all he could heal, feed and help people in ways we normally can't so I know he understands your time to be alone or to relax a bit and commune with God and rest your thoughts.

Guilt and condemnation always comes from the devil and he delights in our chaos and confusion and God is not the author of any of those things.

God says come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest take my yolk upon you and learn of me.....for I am meek and lowly of heart and you will find rest for your souls....

We can never do enough for God but we are told to rest in Him and let Him do the hard lifting. He knows we are dust and weak and He just wants us to Brighten the corner where we are.....

So rest in Him and tell satan to get out of your thoughts that Jesus has paid it all and you are too busy resting in Him to give satan the time of day and get rid of the guilt and learn to fine tune your inner thoughts to listen to God only who also says I have loved you with an everlasting love....Come to Me.....
 
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cinder

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2014
4,327
2,358
113
#14
My thoughts on this whole "Christian guilt" or maybe better stated as how to we know when we're being Christian enough:

We are called to respond to God and the promptings of his spirit; not to be driven by other people's needs. Just because someone has a perceived need does not mean we are automatically called to meet that need. As every parent knows, giving someone everything they want isn't the best for them and I think we need to be cautious about "helping" in ways that are more to assuage our conscience than get involved and resolve the problem ( one of the main reasons I don't give money to beggars, doesn't help them not become beggars in the future).

People who are worried about being too selfish never are. God brought this home to me shortly after I bought myself new dishes and also sent in a donation for a missionary family I've recently met. He just kind of laughed at me and told me in no uncertain terms that anyone who gave away more money with less deliberation than spending money on themselves didn't come close to qualifying for being selfish. I think the same would go for time (which I'm not so generous with), relational energy, or any other resource we have in limited quantities. So if you've listened to 5 venters and said no to only 1 you're not being selfish with your time. And even if you were, well God's not relying on you to save or fix the whole world.

Sermons and much Christian teaching tend to exacerbate our sense of guilt by talking in broad principles without any measurable action steps or criteria. What does it look like for someone in a prosperous nation and fairly secure financially to depend on God? I'm pretty sure he's not going to cook my dinner for me while I'm at work (that's what the crock pot is for), do the dishes that I leave in the sink overnight, or send money to make up the lost income if I just decide I don't feel like going to work today. I theoretically could depend on God to do those things, but I think we'd all agree that that's not what dependence on God means. But I'm also sure that the Bible warns about the tendency to forget God and ignore him in the midst of our prosperity or to think that we've achieved all of this by our own merit instead of the kindness of God. And so it goes with almost every Christian principle, we can always ask ourselves if we're being _________ enough, and very rarely can anyone give us a straight answer or even tell us how to measure if we're becoming more _______.

But the thing is, that that just might be by God's design. After all we're always saying that he doesn't just want us to complete a list of tasks or meet a list of requirements, but rather to have a relationship with us. So we need to be checking in with him to see what he's working on now and how he's asking us to do that. Because that's how we know when he's asking us to do something other than our normal. And it's also how we know when he's telling us to take a rest right now otherwise we'll burn ourselves out and start "serving" out of obligation with growing resentment rather than love.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#15
One day when I come to the end of life I pray that I have no regrets in missed opportunities to serve God. Serving God is my only purpose on the spiritual journey that I'm on.

Lately, I can sense that God is telling me to give what I do a little extra effort. I believe that there is a time to work but also there is a time to rest, otherwise you will get burnt out. I don't feel guilty about relaxing during these times that God has given to me.

Yes, I have second-guessed myself too but not as often as in years past. I just try to do the best with what God has trusted me and diligently perform the tasks that God has prepared for me beforehand.

As for that $10 extra that you may have occasionally, I think that you should spend it on yourself because you're well worth it.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
24,799
8,103
113
#16
Some thoughts on this topic:

1. It is good to be concerned about whether you should be helping somebody. It is bad to be too concerned about it. There are many things needed to make up a good life, but an excess of any of these necessary things can be detrimental. Charity (in the modern definition of giving to others) is one of them. If you are selfish it is a bad thing, but an extreme opposite of selfishness can be just as bad.

2. I have read the Bible multiple times but I can't recall anywhere God told anybody "You are not giving enough away."

3. I HAVE heard that from the world though. The world says "You are not doing enough, you are not making enough, you are not being enough" and I have also heard the world say "You are not giving enough." Once I was a member of a music chatroom, a place for tech support help with a music making program. One day I mentioned I just got back from church where I had installed a new soundboard. The old one had finally kicked the bucket so we got a new one and I spent an afternoon connecting cables and testing audio levels. To my surprise one of the other long-time members of this music chatroom promptly blasted me because my church spent money on a sound board instead of giving it to the poor.
"Yes, we help some people in our town who are needy."
"But if you didn't spend all that money on the sound board you could have helped more people."
"We help some people, other churches in the town help some people. We can't help everybody."
"So what if somebody needs money for food? Are you going to show them your sound board?"
"We give more to the poor than a lot of people. How much has your rock band given to help the poor?"
"That's not the point. I'm not a christian. Christians are the ones always talking about how they help people."
"Well if your rock band would help out a little, maybe there wouldn't be so much of a burden on the churches."
That was effectively the end of the conversation, as he seemed to not have a ready comeback for that and I was not interested in pursuing it. So yeah, I have heard "You're not giving enough" but it didn't come from anybody I think I should be listening to.

4. Being a christian is not following a rule book, nor should it be. God is interested in the heart, not the dollar amounts. "Am I doing enough" is a good question to ask oneself sometimes, but focusing too much on it can lead to legalism.

5. It is important to remember that one christian is not alone in the world, nor is it the job of one christian to help the whole world.

6. I know that nothing we have said in this thread will help and you will still be concerned about if you are doing enough to help people. It is sweet of you to be concerned about people, but I wish you wouldn't worry so much, but I know you will worry about it anyway, so... *sigh*

7. About that $10 you were talking about... If you're wondering what to do with it, I recommend buying pizza. Just saying. =^.^=
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
24,799
8,103
113
#17
Feh! tourist got to that $10 just a few seconds before I did.
 
M

MissCris

Guest
#19
I have this issue being a stay-at-home mom. I haven’t figured out a way/time to really get time to myself to recharge. People outside of my home seem to think I have unlimited free time and the ability to go do whatever I please; people inside my home need me all day, every day.

I don’t mind fulfilling the needs of anyone, when I’m able, at home or with other family, or at church. I do mind the assumptions from Everyone that I can just keep going and giving and caring for everyone but myself without getting a bit cranky. Or a lot. Whichever.
 

dailybread

Senior Member
Jan 7, 2018
140
4
0
#20
Yes, I do wonder if I'm tithing enough and spending enough time in the Word. I constantly wonder if I'm pleasing God. I go to church every Sunday, I listen to the Message and Joel Osteen everyday going to and from work on Sirius XM, I give my co-workers a dollar here and there for the vending machines at work when they don't have any cash, I give some of my food away that I don't want, and I give clothes to Goodwill when I can't wear them anymore. After all this, I feel as if I'm "missing the mark." I feel especially bad when there are homeless people standing at the stop signs at Wal-Mart and in its parking lot, and someone drives behind me and I don't have any money on me except my card. I feel bad because I have the fish symbol on the back of my car and a sticker that says, "Not Today, Satan, Not today."