Lately, I have been running in mode chicken-with-her-head-cut-off.
And, yes, it is as unpretty as it sounds, my friend.
With activities, school, summer planning, the blog, other writing, my husband and everything else to be done, I feel like I am running a marathon of must-do’s. Surely, I can manage it. Surely things will calm down.
But will they?
What happens when the onslaught never appears to have an end in sight?
Just a couple days ago, one more HUGE item was loaded onto my already slumped shoulders.
“I don’t have time for this! I can’t do this and everything else!”
Well, that is something that most (smart) non-mighty women say, but it isn’t what I said. Instead, I said, this is a have-to-do for today.
The only way I could think of removing it’s power was by clearing it out. It’s like, I felt that by handling it, I could handle my feelings.
So, my eyes focused, my mind raced and my anxiety was set and loaded as I moved forward – all systems go!
And, I did. I accomplished this big action item. I did it.
I did it to meet the words of my husband, “You know, Kelly, I needed you today. You were so focused on you, you missed me.”
I did it to meet the face of my children, “Mommy, we just wanted to play with you.”
I did it to hear my God whisper, “Kelly, what happened to your connection to me?
Sure I did it, but in the process I blew out all the people I loved.
Sometimes I feel that I have to run to a destination, but the greatest destination is always seeking and caring for the hearts the heart of those I love most.
I don’t want to miss that.
I don’t want to spend my life so set on to-dos that I miss the todays.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Mt. 6:33
The reality is:
It’s not the action items that gets done first, it’s the kingdom of God.
When we go after his heart and his purpose, we find true purpose.
When we seek his face, he pours down on us abundant grace.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Mt 11:28-30
The great answer to the list of work that never ends is not doing more, it is resting and praying more.
It is laying down to see up.
It is seeing up, to see what he pours down.
It is the decision to accept a moment of his peace.
Because aren’t we either rushing or resting?
And, if we are rushing how can we accept his rest?
His rest doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t get everything done,
but it does mean we will find a safe refuge and clear direction about how to go.
Who doesn’t need more of that?
It is as simple as saying, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.” Ruth 1:16
Then we start to believe, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13
Not the things that I want to do, but the things that he wants me to do.
Not the ways I think I should approach it, but the way he does.
Not with fear as my driver, but with Jesus as my chauffeur.
When I rest in God, I begin to see I don’t have to do it all to know he can take care of it all.
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#CompelTip – Avoid tired and typical writing. Use the 5 F’s to beat boredom!
Kelly, thanks for following me on Twitter. I really enjoyed reading your blog, and I am inspired to slow down to focus on what God thinks is important! Thanks, Karyn
I listened to a great podcast by Michael Hyatt where his guest (the author of Essentialism) suggested that it’s best to never agree to anything in the moment and to always say, “Let me get back to you after I check my calendar.” That way, it feels more like a win-win situation if you have to say no. As in, “I checked my calendar and I don’t have time to do the job that to the best of my ability right now.” In theory, it sounds wonderful and I’m going to put it into practice. In reality, I know how hard it can be to say no. But God always offers grace (and our family usually does, too 😉 ).
This is a very interesting idea. I love that. I have to check. That is great. Thank you for sharing this with me. No guilt!
I like this a lot. “Not with fear as my driver but with Jesus as my chauffeur.” That even sounds way more restful! Great post! Visiting from #coffeeforyourheart.
Yes! Drive us Jesus! ha!
I lived like this all the time until about 18 months ago, I finally learned that it can’t be done forever. I admitted (what I felt) defeat and “retired” from my small business in order to see my children grow up and hear what the Lord was saying. Such a blessing, I have a super busy week this week and said to my husband I don’t know how I did this before! I pray you make it through this busy season and return Jesus to the chauffeur seat! Visiting from Word Filled Wednesday.
Thank you for your super loving words to me today. I will make it through and Jesus will be taking me! 🙂 I am glad you reside in a better place than before.
Kelly, you had me at the first two scriptures. For real. God’s Word spoke, your post did as well. Praying for you concerning the schedule, considering mine as well. xo #coffeeforyourheart
Don’t you love how God speaks? Thank you. I am praying for your schedule too!
You ‘got my number’ today, girlfriend! I’m so guilty of this. Im still learning to pray and take needed time before I heap another helping of to-dos onto my plate:) I’ve actually decided to take a year off from my full-time teaching next year to focus on some other important things in my life. It was a big step (after teaching 15 years) but I’m excited for what God has in store. Blessings, friend:)
I am praying for you. I can’t wait to hear and read more!
Guilty as charged! I can’t count how many times I have been so focused on my important “to do” list – including my ministry commitments – and then realized that the people in my #1 mission field, my husband and daughter, had been waiting to get even a few minutes of my time. I love your blog, Kelly. Great combination of honest transparency, biblical truths, and good writing. Nice to meet another COMPEL member too! Blessings – Linda
Nice work using the 5 F’s! Stopping by from the compel link up.
Thanks Astrid! Glad you liked it. Sending you mucho love!
Oh Kelly, words directly to my heart sweet friend: “I don’t want to spend my life so set on to-dos that I miss the todays.” Thanks for cheering me on & thanks for encouraging the #Compeltraining linkup!
Oh Kim, I am so glad they speak right to you! I don’t want to miss out either. Let’s seize today with God!
Beautifully written. 🙂
“It is seeing up, to see what He pours down.” So very true.
How often do we miss His best as we focus on every.little.thing.else.
And, worst part is…we’re well-meaning in doing so.
Father, teach us!
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings!
~ Brenda Ottinger
Yes God, teach us! We want all of you – all of the time! Thanks Brenda for your kind words and for joining me today.
I love this Kelly- “I don’t want to spend my life so set on to-dos that I miss the todays.” I think this is true for every woman. We are always trying to get everything on our list done that we miss some the good stuff with our families and God. Thanks for sharing this. Glad to know I’m not alone.
Kelly, (great name by the way), you are so not alone. It can be hard to do it all. I honestly don’t know how people do it. I think embracing the idea we can’t is the first moment when relief rushes in, don’t you?
Love this! And I love your sticky statement: “I don’t want to spend my life so set on to-dos that I miss the todays.” Thanks for the encouragement today! (Coming from the Compel link-up)
Sarah
http://www.sarahefrazer.com
Thanks Sarah! I am glad you liked it. Have a great weekend.
I loved your statement: “I don’t want to spend my life so set on to-dos that I miss the todays.” Isn’t that the truth? We can often overlook the entire day and moments that we are blessed with simply by allowing our focus to solely remain on what we are trying to accomplish. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Right Joy?! What a waste that would be. God has greatness in our current moments. Thanks for joining me!
Kelly,
Thanks for sharing this timely message. Being too busy is something most of us can relate to. Your post reminded me of Martha in the book of Luke. She too struggled with the busyness of life, while Mary her sister chose something greater. She chose to sit at Jesus’ feet. Through your message and the word of God, may we all begin to chose like Mary. May God continue to bless you and all that you set out to do.
Yes God, let us choose the wise choice!