About the Author

Elise Tegegne’s work has appeared at Risen Motherhood, Christian Parenting, and Ekstasis, among others. She explores how to live a Spirit-paced life in her blog “Experiments in Inefficiency.” Her first book, In Praise of Houseflies: Meditations on the Gifts in Everyday Quandaries (Calla Press), will appear in 2025.

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things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
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  1. Many years ago, I had a wise boss. She sat me down at her desk one day, and pantomimed taking off the cape, folding it, and putting it into the draw. Her message to a very stressed out me was that I do not have to be superwoman, supermom, super anything. It is a message that I have relayed to others and have reminded myself of time and time again. But, this is the first time that the message had to do with a loving God and grace. So I think you for this.

  2. Elise people tell me you don’t have to Super Woman. Thinking you have to do it all. I think I have to do this and this for my Dad when doing Home help for him to help him. I say to myself if I don’t do it not get done. The house will not look right for my Dad. As he elderly 82 in February next year. My Husband keeps on saying to me. Dawn if it doesn’t get done for your Dad don’t worry. As no one else will notice it not done or bother to do it. That is true. But I just like to leave everything done. Then I exhausted. As I have to go home to my own keep it right. Do the cooking. Even though my Husband is offal good he do his part too to help me with the house work. Not the cooking. God has told me not stress of don’t get done in my Dad’s or my own home. To slow down and think I have to do it. Thank you Elise for this message. It has spoken to me loud and clear. As if I don’t I end up no good to no one. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xx

  3. This is a wonderful essay and reminder to be compassionate with ourselves when we fall into what I call my productivity trap. It’s so easy to do in this culture! Reminds me of Henry Nouwen’s words: “I am not what I do or have or what people say about me. I am God’s beloved.” Glad you are resting in that instead!

  4. Love this message. God loves me even though I can’t be Superwoman but so many of us do try to be because we love our family, friends, and God of course. Thanks for the encouragement.

  5. Elise,

    Beth Moore said it best in her book “Your Best Yes”. “Saying yes to everyone & everything won’t make you super woman. It will make you a worn out woman with nothing left to give.” I fall into that same trap. My belief is that I want my husband to understand what ALL I get done on my 3 day weekends. Appreciate me more I say in so many words. Perhaps he is finally getting the idea.

    God doesn’t expect us to be strivers constantly doing things. He wants us to use our talents to glorify Him & also rest in Him. Take time daily to be with Him & realize that He loves us immensely. He paid the price for our sins & that’s enough. Let’s quit striving, doing & take time daily to just be with Him!

    Blessings 🙂