Britta Lafont

Britta Lafont

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August 14, 2015 · Leave a Comment

My One Word, Going into Fall

JOY!· One Word

sustainable, viable, words for life

Sometimes a word really sticks with you.

In July, I went to a pre-Declare Conference workshop and listened to two blogging gurus, Holly Homer and Amy Lynn Andrews. Umm, here’s where my dear, sweet friend Kathy and I *might* have been a little starstruck:

groupie pics

Holly and Amy Lynn spoke on different topics. But we all had the same question for both of them:

“How can I do that with my current workload/family life/ministry/writing style/techie know-how {insert your own obstacle limitation blessing here}?

Of course, most often the answer was, “It depends…” because it was impossible for these women to answer us in detail, when they didn’t actually know us. Just like it was impossible for us not to ask for personal advice when faced with that much kindness and genius!

One very helpful word came up several times, in both sessions: Sustainable.

A common response to our questions was, “Ask yourself: Is it sustainable?”

is it sustainable, worthwhile, practical, viable, etc.

The litmus test of, “Is it sustainable?” is one of my big take-homes from the conference (you can read about other two here and here). This question is a great clarifier. If the answer is, “I am too busy to keep that practice up,” or “in the long run it is just too expensive,” then I can see very quickly that the new venture is not sustainable.

Ask Yourself, “Is it Sustainable?” 

I think this word-test can be applied to anything new you are thinking about adding to your plate:

  • Should you head up the committee at church or teach the Sunday School class? Ask yourself, Is it sustainable? Does this new responsibility fit into my current (and/or future) life?
  • Should you be Room Mother? Or Brownie Troop leader? Should you babysit Sarah’s kids because you stay home with yours? Don’t answer without asking yourself, Is it sustainable? You might realize, I know I have time this month, but not once basketball season starts.
  • Should you to apply for the better position at work? Think,”Is it sustainable?” The promotion may be an honor and you may deserve it, but what if your family needs more time with you, not less? Maybe the answer, for now, is “No.”

This Fall, I am going to keep this word in my back pocket: Sustainable. Sometimes we have to agree to stretch ourselves, do hard things, grow in painful ways…but other times we launch into new projects, obligations, or responsibilities hastily.

I have said, “Yes,” for the wrong reasons (like people-pleasing/seeking approval from others, fear of missing opportunities, misplaced guilt, or perfectionistic pride). And when I say, “Yes,” for the wrong reasons, I always regret it.

Let’s not forget to pray about important decisions, but let’s trust God to make the answer clear to us. One way we can determine our fitness for a new task is by asking ourselves, “Is it sustainable?”

What new projects have come across your plate lately? When you are asked to help or encouraged to volunteer, do you agree immediately and regret it later? Do you think this word-test might help you to give an answer you won’t regret?

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In my typical social media introvert fashion, I re In my typical social media introvert fashion, I realize I didn’t share Gracie’s post on my feed at the time. 🤦🏻‍♀️
We are so thankful for this young man. ❤️ We are so thankful for this young man. ❤️
When the first day of school is also the day your When the first day of school is also the day your firstborn drives herself to college, it’s a lot. We moved her stuff into her dorm last week. Today she got up early to say goodbye to Dad (too early! Not pictured 😂), her brother, her doggo, her piano, and her momma. Before she left, she made blueberry scones to share with her little bro @sjoshlafont —they homeschool and relocated together, went to @westminsteroakmtn together, and have shared a love of music, Legos, superheroes (and villains), Transformers, and so much more. She played my favorite song. She even made banana bread to bring to her new roomie. @graciethenerd You are my little nut brown hare, and I love you to the moon and back. Auburn University is a better place because you are there! ❤️
Josh just started working in the bakery at Publix. Josh just started working in the bakery at Publix. Today he got his braces off. I just can’t believe it—where did the time go? @sjoshlafont
I’m a social media introvert mostly, but I’m r I’m a social media introvert mostly, but I’m reflecting today and feeling grateful for my sweet girl, my baby, my first-born. 🥰 She sure is a blessing to our family and her friends. Also, so grateful for the wonderful school where she spent the last four years—the perfect place to land after years of homeschooling on the move. “For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Ps 100:5) #curatingthegood #graduated🎓 #wisebeyondheryears @graciethenerd @lafonte04 @westminsteroakmtn
Best Thanksgiving that I can remember. I am so gra Best Thanksgiving that I can remember. I am so grateful for my people!! 🤗 ❤️@graciethenerd @thecardboardqueen @lafonte04 
#Psalm8 #highlandlakes #birminghamalabama
My friend @amy_young1234 is so generous! She has f My friend @amy_young1234 is so generous! She has found a way to share her birthday with friends all year long. This past week, I had to privilege to be her #FOTW You can read about her plan to celebrate her birthday by celebrating others in the link to her blog at the end of this post. That’s SO like Amy. 🤗 https://www.messymiddle.com/52-cards-52-weeks-52-years/ #curatingthegood
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