I ask...You answer.

As most of you are all aware, I have been nothing short of busy these past few months. There have been ups and downs--and most of the time it felt like more downs than ups. I've always seemed to be the type of person that puts a whole lot on her plate, and always ends up finishing it all. It's just the process in getting there that sometimes changes, or can get stressful.

I think this is pretty common for most people. We live our busy lives--work, school, social life, we structure our day--planning everything right down til the last minute, and if we're really good--we even incorporate time for those that love us, those that are in need, and those that are far from God--volunteering, family functions, praying, church etc.

Everything goes along smoothly until one of those things goes out of whack. All of a sudden we find it harder to do every other item on our list. We start to get stressed. We start to worry. We start to think about how we ever got so many things on that list in the first place. It happens all the time.

The thing I have been thinking about lately however is how I handle this busy schedule I have made for myself. In thinking about it, how can I better improve how I handle that schedule. How can remain at peace, show God's grace in all that I do, and reach out to those I don't know to help them as well. I have always felt a strong calling on my heart to help others. It's in my nature. I am a good listener, communicator, time-balancer. However, even those of us who are graced with this ability to multi-task get tired. In my case, very tired. Don't get me wrong. I'm very happy being tired... :) Just looking at how I can better improve this busy, hectic life.

Two of many topics that I want to talk about are below. I found a few verses that I feel tie into the topics pretty well:

Weariness


Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Often times I get busy. I forget where my focus is, and always has been. I forget to keep God at the center. Somewhere in the process of trying to show his love to everyone...it is possible to lose sight of him. Setting aside specific time to pray is important to me, because sometimes it is exactly what I need to bring me back in, and provide me the guidance and direction I need--not to mention a sense of peace.

Worry

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

We all worry. Some more than others--and I am willing to bet I am in the top percentile with this one. I have always struggled with putting my problems and trials completely in God's hands. Where do I draw the line? How much effort am I suppposed to put in? How does God want to use me in this situation? What is God trying to do in this situation? Perhaps, I ask too many questions. Part of me thinks God and I are going to have a good laugh at how many questions I ask one day.

I feel I have done a better job lately, at removing stress from my life. I am still working on making my schedule a little less hectic, but for now... I seem to be able to balance it. Rather, God seems to be helping me balance it.

Anyways, just had a few thoughts on my mind... and figured I would share, because I know I am not alone on this one.