My Grandma Charlotte’s favorite song was “Smile” by Nat King Cole. I had forgotten all about it until last night and it suddenly popped into my head when I needed it the most. I sang it in my head and then sang it aloud and then of course started to cry even though the song told me not too. I couldn’t help it.   The words and their meaning really got to me.

“Smile though your heart is aching, smile even though its breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness, Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near, That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile, If you just smile”

I try really hard in every aspect of my life. I do my best to give 100 percent all of the time.  Unfortunately, no matter how hard I try I can’t be everything to everyone. Somewhere along the line, even if I do the very best I can, things don’t always turn out the way I hoped they would. I can’t help it. I’m not actually perfect. I’m not the perfect parent, wife, daughter, sister, employee, or anything else. My house is rarely spotless. My desk is a mess 90 percent of the time and some days I feel like I failed at everything.

The loudest voice is sometimes the one you shouldn’t be listening to.

Yesterday was such a day. The sad thing was I actually did nothing wrong. But the world was telling me I had failed. I had disappointed people I have never even met. Strange isn’t it? The loudest voice is sometimes the one you shouldn’t be listening to. It didn’t matter that the people whose opinions I actually value were affirming me and supporting the effort I make every day to do what God would want me to do. The world was speaking and I was listening. And that makes me sad.

As parents we do everything we can to do what is best for our children. We pour our hearts and our lives in to these beautiful souls to help form happy, well-adjusted young men and women who will hopefully make a difference in this crazy world.  But try as we might we will never be  perfect parents. There has only ever been one perfect person and He is the reason I am able to remind myself that I don’t have to be a Pinterest mom.

I know when I can’t handle what the world is telling me I can lean on Jesus. I know I can stop and pray and let Him know I CANT do it on my own. I was never supposed to. God didn’t create me to be everything to everyone all the time. He knows that would be impossible. Instead he sent His perfect son to be a sacrifice for me so that my sins and imperfections would be covered and that when the loud voices say I am not good enough, I can say to them I don’t need to be. I am just going to do the best I humanly can and leave the rest for God to handle.

So don’t let this crazy world get to you. Grandma Charlotte never did. She had 7 children and 24 grand grandchildren and was never afraid to be herself. She was incredibly loving, kind, hilarious, supportive, had an unshakeable faith and she wasn’t afraid to admit she would never be perfect. So, be thankful every day for the amazing fact that we are free to be our imperfect selves. That is a blessing. So even on your worst day you can think of the wise words of Nat King Cole and smile.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

 Nikki Wheatley
Elementary Ministries Director