Testimonies

Gumby, how do you do it?

By Maggie
| August 18, 2014

Recently I’ve felt pulled. Not necessarily towards any one thing, just pulled. Between work expectations and responsibilities, relationships, expectations, my own wants and needs and 39,249,238,497 other little things—I’m ready to reject civilization and live in a cave. I’ll be Johnella the Baptist. I’m down to eat honey and wear animal fur. These days, that’d label me as a health-conscious fashionista. Move over, Victoria Beckham!

What’s so crazy is that I used to be a good juggler. In high school and college, I could handle clubs, sports, academics, work, family and church and still have enough mental energy to read a book a day. So what’s changed? When did I become incompetent at life? Why can’t I handle the same amount of activities and relationships that I used to?

Here’s what I came up with: Life didn’t become any busier or suddenly decide to pick on me. I changed. The aspects of life that I’m feeling pulled by are significantly more important to me now than any others ever were before.

Things like what kind of relationship I’m going to have with my family; who I will spend the rest of my life with; where my career is going to start; and, most importantly, what kind of relationship I’m going to have with God are constantly on my mind. These aren’t the kinds of things that others decide for you. At least they shouldn’t be.

It’s these life changes that encompass, ingrain and overwhelm us. The decisions we make now will shape our entire life.

Now for you moms, I know what you’re thinking.

“You just wait, kid. You’ll be chewing your hair in a corner with 2.5 rugrats tossing around oatmeal before you know it. You’d better start chugging energy drinks now. Amateur.”

Trust me, moms of the world—I’m terrified. No need to accentuate it.

I don’t have any great tips or advice for how to handle these big life steps. For those of you who have passed this point in your life, I’m asking for advice. Give us floundering twenty-somethings practical help, because if you don’t I’m going to pull apart like Mrs. Potato Head (and you and I both know that she needs those accessories! Otherwise, she and the Mr. look alarmingly alike).