One of the questions I’m asked all the time is, “How do you do it all?” Even though I’ve answered this over and over again, here’s the answer one more time: “I don’t.”
Each of us has the same number of hours in the day, and even though some of us have a bit more drive and stamina, life has a way of throwing us challenges. Even when I have my writing schedule and family schedule figured out, sometimes there are surprises, like my grandma moving back to live with us (yeah!), and us having to move into a bigger house for room (yeah for the house, not-yeah for the move).
I’ll admit that as the move approached I was overwhelmed. A book deadline drew close and I was far from done. The house packing wasn’t going as quickly as planned. AND my sweet baby wasn’t her typically sweet self. First, because she was teething, and second because her family was packing and moving stuff and she couldn’t quite understand what was going on!
Soon I found myself in tears. How was I going to handle it all? I couldn’t. I was at the end of my rope, but I new where to turn.
1. I turned to God. I cried out to Him in prayer. I got on my knees and turned to Him.
2. Through Facebook, Twitter, and personal emails I asked my friends to pray for my peace and strength.
It was amazing. I felt the prayers. My situation hadn’t changed, but in an hour I felt a lot better.
3. I asked for help. I humbled myself, and I sent an email to friends and asked for help packing and moving. Later that afternoon I heard that help was coming!
4. I asked for grace. I asked for more time for my writing project. Grace was given and the burden I was carrying felt lighter. (I’m so thankful for understand editors!)
5. I focused on God. I turned K-LOVE on the radio and I sang worship songs as I packed. The music and words reminded me of the love of God. I remembered He walked with me through it all.
As of this movement, the move isn’t finished. There are still boxes to haul, boxes to unpack, and old apartment to clean and a new house to settle into. Yet I’m reminded again that even when we can’t do it all, we can call out for help. God puts people in our lives to walk with us–or in our case haul WAY too heavy boxes. He’s also there to strengthen and give us peace for whatever challenges lie ahead.
great reminder to turn to Him in all things – I’ve worked hard the last couple years to scale back on the things I say yes to. I think even as Christians, we fall into the trap of trying to keep up with the Joneses – if it’s not about this world, it’s about being more spiritual, serving the most, etc. – and those things aren’t bad, but we have to learn the rhythms of rest God plans for us. For me personally, when I overwhelm my schedule with things (even in the name of ministry), my family suffers. I need to be still, to listen, to quiet myself and remove myself from the noise sometimes. Rushing around & busying ourselves isn’t what God intends for us. And, thank God for grace that covers all.
So true, Tricia. Thank God for sending help our way. I’m reminded of the song “Made Me Glad” (Hillsongs) every time I call on the Lord for help!
Hugs,
Kennisha
Absolutely, Tricia. Great post!
Oh Tricia I soooooo needed this post tonight.
I had a ‘moment’ last night when things just got too much.
This post has given me some practical stuff to help.
Thank you so much for all that you do.
much love Kristie xx
Why is it that as Christians we are always eager to help but reluctant to ask for help? Thanks for reminding us that God shows his love through the hands of our friends and his grace through requests to our prayers.
Oops, I meant ‘response’ to our prayers!