Defining "Enough"

Do you ever have one of those days when you feel like every person in the world is busier than you?

And not just that they're busier, but that they do more. Accomplish more. Achieve more. Do you ever feel like your life doesn't have a purpose?

While on vacation a couple of weeks ago, I got the chance to spend an evening with a dear friend who showed me the fruits of her labors: after two years of crazy hard work, she was nearly done with a humongous project.

I was thrilled for her, really I was. But as my husband and I got in the car and drove away my mind was racing. I finally asked him, "Do you ever feel like you don't do enough?"

"Pretty much every day." His answer surprised me. Usually he disagrees with me on stuff like this.

I continued, "Do you ever feel like everybody else does more than you?"

Then he did his usual pounce. "You should not be comparing yourself to other people. Does 'everyone else' have little kids at home to take care of?"

True, I shouldn't compare. And true, my friend is in a different position in her motherhood than I am, with all her kids school-aged. And she would be the first to admit that she didn't accomplish as much when they were younger. Those years were mostly just motherhood survival mode.

But what about those women who do have young kids at home? The moms who make every meal from scratch, keep their house clean, run a business from home and read two books a week? What about those women who truly nurture their own family, serve others like crazy and develop their own talents? And never put their hair in ponytails?

Okay, I know the way I see other people is unrealistic at times. But is there something more I should be doing with my life? Is there something great and grand for me to do that I'm neglecting? Is it really just "Play with kids, cook, clean up, repeat" for years at a time? The whole "Set a goal to do one small things each day" rule was great for when my kids were newborns, but my "baby" is two now. Is it really okay for me to feel awesome about myself if I finished a project that took one or two hours? When my friend is finishing a project that took two years, working hours at a time, day after day, week after week, etc. etc.?

As we continued driving, the words of Julie Beck kept coming back to me:

A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.

As I've studied her talk (and by study, I mean I listen to it over and over while I clean the kitchen), this sentence has stood out to me:

Personal revelation gives us the understanding of what to do every day to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek those who need our help.

I've felt the Spirit bring personal revelation to me of what's expected of me and of my life right now. "Calm down. It's okay. Pray every day. Read the scriptures. Take care of your kids. Take care of your husband. Take care of your home. Serve others when you can. It's enough. It's enough for now."