I can bring home the bacon,
Fry it up in a pan,
And never, never, never let you forget you’re a man,

‘Cause I’m a woman
Double U O M A N

I can wash out forty-four pairs of socks
And have them hangin’ out on the line
I can starch and iron two dozen shirts
Before you can count from one to nine

I can scoop up a great big dipper
Full of lard from the drippin’s can
Throw it in the skillet, go out and do my
Shopping and be back before it melts in the pan

‘Cause I’m a woman
Double U O M A N”

These lyrics are from the 1963 Peggy Lee song “I’m a Woman” that was also used in a perfume commercial in the 1970’s. The song pays tribute to the myriad of tasks that women perform every day. Although these specific tasks may not be relevant to 2010 (I don’t have a drippin’ can full of lard), the fact still remains we ladies have LOTS to do each day. It seems like the list continues to grow and grow. Multi-tasking has become a way of life. Modern technology allows us to cook, clean, wash, iron and home school the kids at the same time. It allows us to participate in an international teleconference and check emails while getting a manicure. Oh yes, we can do it all! As Chaka and Whitney sang “I’m every woman.”

Lately I’ve begun to wonder if being “every woman” is really a goal I want to strive for. It may be convenient, but is it always necessary? Multi-tasking is the order of the day and we’re always under pressure to do MORE. But is the quality of our lives and relationships really that much better than that of our mothers and grandmothers?

According to the Daily Mail, studies show that multitasking or switching back and forth between tasks not only reduces efficiency levels, but can have lasting neurological, physical and social effects as well.

The 31st chapter of the book of Proverbs gives a detailed description of someone who can only be described as a superwoman. She is energetic, strong, runs a household with servants, is an astute business woman who imports goods, buys real estate, gets up before dawn and works late into the night, makes her family’s clothes, feeds the poor, is a fashionista – and all of this without a PDA. What a girl!

As impressive as this lady is, I still have to be honest and realistic about what I can do and when I can do it. I believe that life is divided into seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven”. So although I may have many gifts and talents, I don’t have to use them all at the same time. Throughout my life God has orchestrated every season, and I’ve learned to trust His timing.

So with all due respect to Chaka and Whitney, I’m not trying to be every woman. I’m just striving to be the best possible version of ME.