Super Hero Isn't Saved

I had an epiphany yesterday. Unlike the realization that I have too many daily obligations, too few dollars in the bank, and not enough marbles left, this one was actually a good one. Here is my revelation: super-heroes aren't saved.

Somehow, I feel as though I am supposed to be Wonder Woman. My family expects groceries, clean clothes, and that I know where every object they've ever misplaced is located. The baby expects to be held (all the time!). The dog expects to be fed, watered, and walked. The creditors expect to be paid. My job expects promptness, concentration and professionalism. Add on top of all this my relationship with the Lord--Who expects righteousness, devotion, and communion--and instead of flying high I want to cry. I simply can't manage everything with the exhaustion and frustration I feel.

I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who feels a constant time crunch. With the demands of daily life, small kids, a job, and marriage all crowding in on me, my 'God-time' is next to nil. I actually signed up for the Ladies Bible study at church simply to get a few moments to grow spiritually without having to wipe spit-up off my Scripture. (Praise the Lord for that precious phrase 'Childcare Provided'!) Nevertheless, I found myself completing the week's homework all in one marathon session the day before--and I had to forfeit my precious nap to do it. Even God, it seems, wants more from me than I can give.

My epiphany came at Bible study, where I spent most of the discussion time complaining about my hectic schedule, my sleep-deprivation, and my desperate desire to be a better person despite the daily pressures. It was a revelation that struck me like lightning when the video-presenter (Beth Moore) said this phrase:

"Don't you dare leave your problems at home! You bring them here, you put them out in front of God's word, sister, 'cause that's where the power is! Amen?!"

So often, at the beginning of a church service, I will hear a pastor say or pray that we must clear our minds of our distractions. That we need to put aside the worries of our week and concentrate solely on the sermon. I'm sure this is a valid idea. What I loved about Beth Moore's statement, though, is that it made it normal to be distracted by my stuff! It made me realize that the Lord cares about my load! It made me feel accepted despite my anxiety, loved no matter my listlessness, and forgiven for my fears.

I have decided that super-heroes aren't saved. They run around in their super-sleek threads, showing off their super-model bods, and have all the strength they need to save the day. They can do it all and still bench-press a Bentley. I, however, am a completely different creature. My tush would tear a pair of tights, my bod is in pretty bad shape, and I get so little sleep that I run out of steam before seven. The only strength I've got is the Savior's.

My new intention is to do just what I heard in Bible study. Instead of trying to find time to stick God in my day, I'm going to take my day to my God. See, Lord, how this baby screams when I don't drop everything to feed him (again!). Help, Lord, because these kids are driving me up the wall and I want to scream my head off! Give me energy, Lord, because I have to stay awake today at work. O Father, let my little sum of money go farther than it should. And Lord, hide the HoHo's, because I'd really like it if all my fat just fell off me, too.

One last, thing, God. I pray for Wonder Woman--it must be lonely when you have to do it all alone.

"...cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7