Hello, Book Club friends. First of all, I’m sorry I missed a post on section three — I overestimated my writing margin for the busy summer months and I apologize for that. I want to wrap this up with some final thoughts on the book and share with you one of my biggest takeaways overall. And as always, I’d love to hear your final thoughts and takeaways in the comments as well!
It’s Okay to Focus Most on What Matters Most
One of my biggest struggles as an introverted mom is simply this: overwhelm. With two young kids, a home to manage, a marriage to nurture, a soul to tend, and a myriad of outside demands, I feel like I’m drowning more often than not.
What I appreciate about the message of this book is the freedom it offers to accept my own boundaries and limitations without guilt or comparison. No, I can’t do as much as some people or handle as much noise, busyness, or stress — and that’s okay.
What matters most is that I focus my time and attention on what matters most. For me right now, that’s my marriage and family.
Our family is the closest we get to the eternal this side of heaven.
Jamie C. Martin
Saying No So I Can Say Yes
Not all opportunities have to be grasped now or lost forever. They come in and out like the tide, returning when we’re ready, if only we have the courage to toss them back in faith when the timing isn’t right.
Jamie C. Martin
I struggle with believing I need to do everything right now or I’ll get behind and miss out. But when I try to do/be too many things at once, I inevitably get stressed out and give my family the worst of myself rather than the best.
Martin’s words encourage me to step back and really evaluate what matters both in the big picture and in this moment. I’ll never get this time with my kids back, so what do I need to say no to for now in order to give my family my very best?
In a typical four-season climate, no tree produces fruit year-round. Different months serve different purposes, all of them contributing to the final harvest, even when it isn’t obvious.
. . .
Can we honor our personal seasons of rest, of beauty, of letting go, as much as we do those of productivity? Let’s dare to define the good life for ourselves instead of swallowing the watered-down definition our world tries to convince us matters most.
Jamie C. Martin
In Conclusion
Thank you to everyone who read along and shared your thoughts. I really enjoyed reading this book together and I’m walking away with lots to process going forward. I hope you were encouraged in some way too. May you enjoy the rest of your summer and the days ahead!
Sincerely,
Kari >3
I haven’t finished the book yet… I will post when I do.