Good, Better, Best!
(Photo taken from keithcraft.org)
We tease one of my girlfriends because she often asks her children “Are you being your best self?” We even reflect and laugh at ourselves recognizing that even as a mom we are not always “our best self” even though that is the goal.
One of the greatest lessons I am trying to be sensitive to myself is being okay that sometimes my very best is not my best self. Part of my trauma is relearning and retrusting myself. Triggers are a huge part of my life especially this time of year surrounding my personal experience.
(Painting by Simon Dewey “The Better Part.” Photo taken from https://ldsbookstore.com/simon-dewey-the-better-part-print)
I love this picture of Martha and Mary and the story that surrounds it. I have often wondered over the years and hoped that I would be the one to drop everything and focus on what was most important. In Luke 10:41-42 it says “ Martha, Martha… you are worried and troubled about many things, but few things are needed. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I know at times there are choices that mean I am not moving between a right and a wrong choice or reaction but what I am doing is good. Does that mean at times I can do better? Of course! But I am trying to be gentle with myself when my good is all I have to give. I am constantly making mistakes especially as I navigate my new life and try to make sense of who I really am and what has really happened. I pray to discern and have the ability to focus on what is most important at different times throughout my day when we live in a world where there are so many “important” things pulling us in all directions. We are forced to choose between two good things but which one is better and helps us be “our best self!” It is true, it is okay to not be okay and to cry. And when these days happen I try and embrace it and accept it and move forward.
May we take time to focus more on our kids, family and Christ this time of year. Less on the gifts, parties and busy that distracts us from the whole reason we really celebrate Christmas. May we practice self care to love ourselves for our shortcomings and be reminded of the Atonement and it is there because we are all imperfect. Turn to Christ and love yourself. In Gods eyes good is good enough!
(Photo taken from btr.org)
