"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" James 4:6 (ESV)

Did you know it's possible to get demoted from Room Mom to Assistant Room Mom?

It is.

It all started at the school open house. My little pig-tailed daughter and I walked into her new teacher's classroom. She greeted us with a warm smile and told us to look around the room and check out all the papers that were on her desk.

I knew what papers were on the desk, so I quickly made my way there.

And there it was ...

The purple sign-up sheet, listing all the volunteer roles for the year. And with a blank line next to the most coveted spot for all the moms at this school.

Room Mom.

Room Mom seemed like a Pinterest dream come true for me. The chance to be at my daughter's school for all her important events and to unleash my DIY skills!

I couldn't believe the space was blank. It was never, ever blank by the time I got to the open house each year. So I quickly wrote my name down and went home to get my party-momma hat on.

This is going to be the best year ever!

And it was ... for about four weeks.

In the midst of all the Room Mom excitement, several doors of opportunity opened up for me in other areas of my life. I took on a part-time job, began speaking at events and my afternoons were spent shuffling kids to this activity, and then to that activity.

Before I knew it, I was completely overloaded. I was desperately trying to fulfill all the commitments I had made, including Room Mom. However, returning emails in a timely manner became hard and my availability to help cut out crafts became limited.

And after my Fall FAIL party craft [Pinterest lies. Oh how it lies!], one of the other moms began to get frustrated with me.

Soon after, I got an email from my daughter's teacher explaining that she felt like this other mom might have "more time" to fulfill the Room Mom assignments and suggested I assist her.

Well then.

To be honest, the teacher was right. The other mom could do this Room Mom thing in her sleep. She was great at it! And she did have more time to offer than I did.

Still, something inside me ached in knowing people had become so frustrated with me, and I had no idea. Pride had clouded my vision. I couldn't even see how my overloaded schedule was affecting the people around me. I just kept telling myself I was doing the best I could.

In reality, I needed to admit my overload and ask for help.

So now, when I'm sensing my schedule is overwhelmed, I ask myself the best reflective question I've found:

Right now, what is it like to be on the other side of me?

After I ask that question, I take notice of the commitments I've made and adjust them to avoid frustrating the people who are depending on me to fulfill my obligations.

Right now, what is it like to be on the other side of me?

This question helps me pause, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show me anything I need to change.

Right now, what is it like to be on the other side of me?

It's the question that helps me step into conflict and see the perspective of the person I've offended or frustrated.

Yes, this question leads to a hard-humble place. But it's also a grace-filled place, like James describes in our key verse today.

When I pause to ask what its like to be on the other side of me, God gives me a perspective that is beyond what I can see. And no, I've never checked that Room Mom box again. [smile]

Lord, thank You for the grace You bring to us through humility. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

***

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 11:2, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." (NIV)

Proverbs 15:33, "Wisdom's instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor." (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:

For more wisdom on making wise choices with your schedule pick up a copy of The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst.

For a chance to win a copy of The Best Yes visit Nicki Koziarz's blog today!

REFLECT AND RESPOND:

What is an area of your life where pride has slipped in and clouded your ability to see things for what they are? Tell us in the comment section today.

Pray and ask God to help you answer the question Nicki posed today: "Right now, what is it like to be on the other side of me?" Then walk humbly in His grace by apologizing to someone and seeking to make amends.

© 2015 by Nicki Koziarz. All rights reserved.