What Counts as Success?

When we're obedient and doing whatever it is God has called us to do — we are successful! Whether that is writing a best-selling book or baking cookies for the neighborhood kids, our success is less about what we're accomplishing and more about Who we're serving.

If you’ve ever heard me speak, you’ve undoubtedly heard these two sentences …

“Go ahead and take that nap!”

and

“We have a low standard of success: if no one’s dead and no one’s in jail, it’s a good day.”

I know, you’re now thinking, “Holy cow, this girl is crazy!” And yeah, I probably am. Of course, there’s a lot more than meets the eye in those two statements. And, while I’m no where near as level-headed as I’d like to be about life {seriously, I’m an over-the-top emotional girl most of the time}, I can promise you that a good nap can make a huge difference in how you view life.

School starts this Thursday and while I no longer have driving responsibilities {hello, sixteen-year-old daughter with a license and a car!}, I know our laid back summer routine is about to come to crashing halt.

[Can we all have a moment of silence in memory of the bliss that has been summer 2016 with all it’s Netflix binging and Rice Krispy treat eating?]

Now that we’ve said our farewells to what has been a fabulous escape from the realities of homework, enforced bedtimes, and the never-ending need to replenish the lunch money accounts, let’s talk about this:

What counts as success?

Clearly, for me, it is connected to simply being alive and not incarcerated. And while that may seem a little on the ridiculous side, there are days {like when I have to go to “the Walmarts”}, it is the reality. Also, don’t underestimate the volatility of 44-year-old mom emotions clashing with 16-year-old daughter emotions — everyone being alive is legit.

But seriously, how do we determine success? In parenting, in our marriages, in homemaking, in work … in life? What measure do we really use?

Last weekend I had the privilege of sharing with a group of pastors’ wives and women in ministry about rest and living well, even when we’re busy. As we discussed the challenges ministry can bring and how easy it is to get overwhelmed by all there is to do, I reminded them that not one of us can do it all — and, perhaps even more importantly, none of us were intended to do it all. And while they all nodded in agreement, they also had that look in their eyes that let me know they didn’t really believe it was true for them.

How is it that we know deep inside we were not created to try to do and be everything … and yet we keep pushing ourselves to do and be more? I think it’s because we feel like we’re failing if we don’t. But, y’all, that simply isn’t true!! Here’s what happens to me {and maybe you’ll recognize yourself in this too}

Far too often I measure success through comparison to others instead of contentment in the Lord.

When we're obedient and doing whatever it is God has called us to do — we are successful! Whether that is writing a best-selling book or baking cookies for the neighborhood kids, our success is less about what we're accomplishing and more about Who we're serving.

True success is measured through contentment not comparison. Click To Tweet

What do I mean by that?

It’s simple: When I get too wrapped up in looking at everyone else and all the amazing things they are doing and how incredible their lives are, I forget to keep my eyes on the prize — Jesus.

I told the ladies last weekend that one of my big struggles is staying in my lane. I stop celebrating the place {and pace!} God has me in and try to veer over into someone else’s lane. And every time I do that, it’s a mess! I bet you know exactly what I mean, right?

Here’s the thing, when we’re obedient and doing whatever it is God has called us to do — we are successful! Whether that is writing a best-selling book or baking cookies for the neighborhood kids, our success is less about what we’re accomplishing and more about Who we’re serving. Can we all agree on that?

So here’s to success in the coming school year!

xoxo,

Teri Lynne

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When we're obedient and doing whatever it is God has called us to do — we are successful! Whether that is writing a best-selling book or baking cookies for the neighborhood kids, our success is less about what we're accomplishing and more about Who we're serving.

Read the Psalms this summer with Scripture Dig!

Comments

  1. YES! I’m trying to learn that success is different in God’s economy. My prayer this year has been for my ministry efforts not to be “successful” but rather of value. Thank you!

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