Leftovers….what comes to mind?
Sometimes that word brings about bad thoughts. I don’t know about your family but sometimes the word leftovers doesn’t go over well in our house. Sometimes the food isn’t bad at all. It’s just that. Well…. it sounds boring. Sounds tired. Sounds blah.
Merriam Webster defines leftovers as ‘a thing that remains after something is finished or ended.’
Leftovers. Family. Dinner. Time together.
Sometimes my family unfortunately gets MY leftovers. They get what is left over after giving my time and energy to other things.
Do you ever think about leftovers in the sense of relationships and people. Have you ever felt like you are serving up leftovers way too often?
Recently I felt that way with my husband. He works long hours and then there are projects that need done around the house. Kids to spend time with. Friends that need attention too.
I sort of felt like all that was left for me was l-e-f-t-o-v-e-r-s. I got what was left of him after a long, hectic week.
It made me consider the relationships in my own life.
All day I’ve given in to the demands of social networks. Phone calls or texting with friends. Helping at church. Or giving all my energy to cleaning the house. Or I’ve given my everything to the blog.
What seems to suck up all your precious time? Is it the people most precious to you? Or is it just the things of life?
There are so many ways we can use up our time. So I ask myself. Is this what I want for myself? For my family?
To serve up leftovers over and over? They shouldn’t get what’s leftover of my patience. Or the last teensy bit of self control I can muster up. My husband deserves more than my leftover love. My husband and children deserve my best. They don’t deserve what’s left over. They deserve the best I can give them and the best is better than leftovers.
I want my best to include the fruits of the spirit. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self Control.
Am I showing love the best way I know how? I can choose to listen to the little things. Include them in the every day things.
Am I being joyful as I serve them? I can choose to do simple things for them just because I care.
Am I creating peace in my home? I can choose to talk and explain instead of yelling or griping.
Am I pursuing patience? I can choose patience even when it takes 5 minutes for the 5 year old to tie his shoes.
Am I displaying kindness & goodness for all to see? I can choose kindness in the small things. As I choose to help the needy, bring a meal or pray with a friend. Their eyes are watching what I do. I am their greatest example.
Am I being faithful to the God that I love and serve? I can choose faithfulness in my daily walk by going, giving, serving, loving and obeying.
Am I offering gentleness? I really struggle with this one but it’s a choice like the others. Choosing gentleness over harsh words or attitudes.
Am I controlling my self? It doesn’t matter how I was raised or how I lived the first 3 decades of my life or whatever excuse I want to come up with. I, with God’s help I can be an over comer and control my tongue from wickedness and ruthlessness.
So what are you serving up this week? Family Style or Leftovers?
Love and blessings friends
Melanie
Linked to Living Well Spending Less
This is great Melanie : )
And your kids can really get the cheese to stretch!
This is such a great post, Melanie. Thanks for the reminder and asking the important questions!! I really love reading these posts of yours :). And your kids are beyond adorable. What precious blessings from the Lord!!
Aww. Thanks Kathi! You’re so sweet!
Wow, really great post Melanie. Such a great great reminder. My wife and I feel like that sometimes. We are both so busy that at times when we finally see each other, it kinda feels like leftovers.
Thanks Chris. It’s a great reminder to myself when I write this stuff. Because I’m guilty of serving up more leftovers than I’ve ever intended. Have a great day!
Nice reminder of what’s important. Sometimes those most important to us really do get only what is left over at the end of the day, even God. Thanks for keeping me on my toes 🙂
Thanks Kris! That’s true. Sometimes God gets the leftovers when he should be getting the first rate, best class, top of the line. So glad you stopped by!