"When is that ever appropriate?"

...

That question rolled through my head as the receptionist at the doctor's office held out a blow pop in front of me as an optional treat for my child. I shook my head and told her we were just about to get some lunch. It was true, but even if it were snack time and I had nothing to offer my kids...I'd rather they chew on the seat cushions in the van.

Blow pops are, in my often singular opinion, the coup de gras of your wellness and dental health. What on God's green earth are they doing within the walls of a health institution?

All that sugar sitting on their teeth, and yet the expectation is, that if a child enjoys it and if they can properly manage it, they should have one now and then.

Much like a Blow Pop is excessive to a child's sugar intake, "one more" activity can be excessive to a mom's schedule. Projects, meetings, opportunities and tasks present themselves to moms constantly. The "stay at home" mom is continuously being lured from her nest to volunteer, fill a need, devote a few minutes of her time and organize another activity, event or trip. Whatever it is, there is always another one around the corner. The more you say "yes," the more people will ask of you.

A certain amount of extra activities for a mom, is no more ridiculous than a piece of candy is to a three year old. It's good for us in fact. It sweetens us up a bit. It's only in excess that it begins to wear down the covering of grace we wear.

Like protecting the enamel on our teeth we brush daily with the Word to keep a protective presence of peace and self-control about us. It is what allows us to spend our time on the mundane or miserable wearing the same smile we do for the marvelous.

Adding too much activity, another visit, another meeting, club or sport to the schedule is the blow pop of busyness. It looks good, it tastes good and it even feels good, but it wears down little by little on our covering.

Here are a few questions to ask before taking on a schedule "blow pop":

1) Does this have anything to do with what God has called me to do?

2) Am I doing this because I'm the only one who can do it, or because I like to feel needed?

3) Is this going to interfere with my husband's schedule or my ability to perform my role alongside him in any way? (that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, but you should discuss it with him first, for a wife and mother sacrifices of time and energy are never solely about you)

4) Will this activity take away from my influence in my children's lives?

5) What are the REAL consequences of saying "no" to this? Am I saying yes to serve a meaningful purpose or to quell someones urgent crisis?

You might enjoy the project, you might be perfectly capable of managing it, but my question to you would be one my mother always asked me: "Have you prayed about it?" Despite how clearly we may lay out our pros and cons, God alone knows what will come our way, and what opportunities we could miss out on by over committing to something seemingly benign. Take it to Him first and be committed to listen no matter what His answer.

Sometimes the good we intend, steers us away from what's best.

When is that ever appropriate?