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So then life got super crazy right after that. Whether the enemy wanted me to look like an idiot, or God was growing my character, I don't know. The bottom line is balancing my family along with everything else became almost impossible. How do I have a family meal when I am taking care of my mom, being the taxi to two kids that are going in opposite directions, and still trying to be a decent wife that washes laundry occasionally and doesn't have cereal as a meal every night? Oh, and I forgot to include MINISTRY. Wow.
Let's face it. Life can be overwhelming at times. And beware, if you ever do a blog post about juggling life, be assured that you will have the opportunity to do that juggling life act for all the world to see.
So, what did I do? I had to take a step back and look at life and ask the Lord, "What do I need to do and what do I not need to do?"
First things first. I realized that without my time with the Lord, I could do nothing. I would be a pitiful juggler. But with Him, I am learning.
My time with the Lord is and must be a priority. First things first. In order to be able to do anything else He has called me to...be a wife, mom, minister, daughter, sister, friend,etc., I have to spend time with Him.
I have found that my time with the Lord cannot be one of the things that I try to juggle. He actually steadies my feet and gives me the coordination to juggle the other stuff. So, when your life gets crazy and you are dropping more balls than you are catching, you might try seeking God in these ways.
- Mornings. Whether I have ten minutes or forty, I savor it. I am reading Jesus Calling and the correlating Scripture. If I have more than ten minutes, I try to read some Old Testament and some New Testament. And then have some prayer time. I am not a morning person...but I am even less of one without some time with Jesus. So, maybe you are not a morning person either, but I can guarantee that you will be less snarky after some time with the Lord.
- Moments. I have to grab them when I can with God. Like when I am sitting next to Mom in the chemo room and she has drifted off to sleep. Or when I am waiting to pick up my kids from an activity. Or when I am in-between appointments at the office. Moments of rejoicing. Moments of desperation. Moments of just thanking Him. Moments of dreaming with Him. Moments of quiet rest in Him. Moments of enjoying Him.
- Mundane. Sometimes our lives seem so ordinary. But God is always...yes, always wanting to bring some extra to that ordinary. Do we notice it when He does? I will never forget the day that I was taking the kids to school, running late, and a peacock crossed the road. But I will save that story for another day. ;) Or the time Jesus asked me out on a date. (You can read about that here.) And one of my favorite times when God spoke through my cell phone. So let's look for Him...He is always at work!
Let God steady you so you can juggle life a little easier this week. Seek Him in the mornings (if you dare!), in the moments, and in the mundane. And PLEASE share... we'd all like to give Him praise on your behalf! If you are following by email, then comment here! And make it a priority to come back Wednesday when we will be discussing...priorities.
I appreciate you.
Living for ONE,
Kelli
8 comments:
Very well said, Kelli... If we actually had milk right now, I am sure I would be trying to put it in the pantry no doubt.
Through all the craziness of life, how to balance life, family and grieving, I knew I had a choice: to run from God or seek Him.
We are seeking Him in deeper ways than ever before. And honestly, it's a good thing-- even if we are eating a lot of cereal for supper.
Thanks for adding "ministry apprentice" to your balance of chaos. It means more to me than you will ever know!
I continue to pray for you and your family as you keep your balance with Jesus through Walking and Living.
Love you!
That is the truth. Sometimes it is dificult to tell the lessons from the attacks. Hang in there, you are doing great!
This is the seemingly never-ending struggle--to put God first every day. Thanks for the encouragement you share on your blog to live for Christ! Blessings!
Just when I think I have this mastered, I realize I'm failing. Thanks for the encouragement and nudge in the right direction.
Moments of rejoicing.... What a lovely thought. Thanks for this wonderful reminder to look for Him in the midst of the moments. -- Prayed for God to bring healing to your mom tonight.
I can never find enough time in my day if God does not have His share. I am past the kids at home stage and it isn't any easier. It boils down to making the habit of putting him first and sticking with it. Praying for you as you balance it all.
I know it is very hard for you to juggle things right now, but you are way more than just a "decent wife" (to quote your blog)......you are down right awesome!!! When life does allow you to prepare a meal, I just want you to know how much I appreciate it. The sound of the stove fan and the aroma of lasagne last night when I opened the door gave me butterflies.....Thank You!
CW
I have let go of the expectation that everything is going to run smoothly and strive, each day, to be open to the Spirit for what is truly needing to be accomplished that day. Yes, somedays it is clean underwear for the kids and others it is writing 2000 words for my book and others it is simply time on the porch with sweet tea and my prayer journal or praise music while waiting to pick up my son from wrestling. You are so right that the mundane moments can still bring us intimacy with Him!
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