It’s Friday night and I’m still reeling from a whirlwind week. In rushing from one event to the next, I’ve had little time to relax or catch my breath. This week it’s become glaringly apparent that I need to scale back. Some appointments are unavoidable, like going to the doctor’s. Others are non-negotiable, like church. But there are a great deal of activities that I need to set aside. In fact, there are some things I just need to stop. The entire month of September has been a constant blur. There is only one day on my calendar that was not full. I imagine I just didn't have time to write down my schedule that day. But I can't keep up this pace. I need times of quiet reflection, to recreate and renew my spirit. I can’t let a ½ hour of rushed devotional time count as my relaxation for the day. It isn’t selfish for me to take time to renew and refresh my spirit. When I come back from my time off, I am a better mom, wife, gramma and caregiver – I’m renewed.
We talked about this at ladies prayer group on Wednesday night. We women have become quite adapt at “doing it all.” The enemy will lie to us and tells us we can “have it all.” But reality says we can’t. Even when we think we’re juggling it all well, we end up neglecting someone very important - ourselves.
It’s time for some tough, soul searching questions. Are there things you just need to stop? Take a piece of paper and fold it in half. On the left side of the paper write down all the things you love, things that relax, energize and empower you. Now on the right side write down all your activities and responsibilities. Does the list seem a little lop-sided? Take the next week and pray about what you are doing. Prioritize your list and ask God if there are activities or responsibilities you need to stop doing. You may choose to talk it over with a spouse or close friend. Once you’ve eliminated some items from the right hand side of the list, you’ll have more time for activities on the left. You’ll be amazed at what happens when you just stop it!
10 comments:
I think you need to stop spending time with that Denise girl. She's so stressful to spend time with! :D
There are times (many times) that seem like a blur. As my mom would say "I feel like a chicken with my head cut off."
I needed this!
love and hugs~Tammy
hi Jan: "emom" from Chrysalis blog recommended you to me. I loved reading this and enjoyed looking around your site. God bless you! I have often seen you comment on the Marriage Monday posts....you are very inspiring!
I have had to learn to say NO over the years with personal stuff as well as ministries...sometimes it is so hard to set things aside! but...I am finding that the more I put the Lord first in my day, the other stuff just falls into place.
Thank you for this!! I have posted your site on my FB wall, too!!
What a great post. I feel this way a lot. Unfortunately I feel that a lot of my meetings/appointments are really important too, like catching up with old friends or taking special relatives out for lunch. It's really hard to balance it all. I think we all have different degrees of "me time" and I know I need it every day! If I don't get my time with the Lord I feel it and I miss Him. My problem lately too is because I'm older I have been more tired in the morning not wanting to wake up, so I realize I need to eat better, exercise and get more sleep so I can wake up early, have my time with the Lord and then face the day!
Thanks for another great post!
Oh you are so right. I have come to realize that I really enjoy being busy so it's really easy to take on way more than I should. I have been praying about how to organize my time better.
I can relate to this post. There are many times I feel like I can do it all, and I often have a hard time telling people no. I need to scale back!
Life does get busy, doesn't it? We get busy even though we are retired!
Hugs.
The most important thing on my todo list every day is Spend some time hanging out with Jesus alone. The number one thing that interferes with hanging out with God is busy-ness. It kills the relationship Jesus wants to have with His daughters. I'm passionate about this. :0) Good post Jan!
Balance is critical dear sister. Take the time you need with the Father. Scale back wherever necessary. I ran a schedule you would not believe especially from 1999 through 2006 until I woke up at 245 lbs and could barely breath!
I learned then...STOP! Get with GOD not just for others needs but for your own and GOD then balanced me out. He helped me to realize I am not super woman and I'm NOT supposed to be. He's the only one that's SUPER. He's Supernatural.
I love you and I'm praying for you girl!
Amen, my tall sister, Jan. Amen!
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