Les Achieving. More Receiving

I imagine your last month has had a similar pace…fast and furious. Everything ramps up at the beginning of Pumpkin Spice Season. The task list is bigger than the time available, and we feel a sense of panic begin to rise.

As I walk with people who are struggling with life or seeking to deepen their faith, I often hear them describe some of that same pressure. We all have that voice in our heads telling us the things we SHOULD be doing more, better, or differently.

• I should get up early to exercise.

• I should read my Bible more.

• I should call my mom.

• I should scroll less on my phone.

• I should finish that book I started.

Okay. Maybe these are just my “shoulds,” but I bet you have a list too!

I’m all for personal growth, but often our “shoulds” leave us feeling empty and defeated. It can become an endless cycle of trying harder and never quite measuring up.

And sometimes, we bring that same mindset into our spiritual lives. We add another prayer practice, read another book, or set another goal, hoping to feel closer to God. Before long, even the things meant to draw us into God's presence become one more thing to accomplish.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world” (NLT). Another translation renders the opening phrase, “Cease striving.”

I wonder if that's an invitation we need to hear this fall.

Instead of trying harder, maybe we need to try softer. Instead of more achieving, maybe we could imagine more receiving.

Spiritual disciplines are meant to create space for relationship with God, not become evidence of our spiritual maturity. They're invitations to be present to God, not another measure of how well we're doing.

It might look like a walk instead of a run. It might look like prayer without an agenda. It might look like going to bed early and leaving “the one more thing” for tomorrow.

What if we didn't have to accomplish anything in these moments? What if we could simply receive the good news that we are already loved and already welcomed into God's presence?

As the seasons change, perhaps we can let go of a few “shoulds” and make a little more room for God.

Less achieving. More receiving.