Right now, I’m overwhelmed. I am thoroughly exhausted, you know the bone weary kind of exhaustion. I feel lost and don’t know where to start, so I’m going to STOP, PRAY and just go back to what I know.
What do I know?
I know God says:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ~Matthew 11: 28-30
I know that I’m carrying more of the load than I should. So I’m laying my heavy laden bag of burdens at Jesus feet. Whew, I feel better already.
Sometimes the load we carry isn’t ours to carry. I have to look closely at the motive for WHY I’m doing something. Do I do it because I feel I HAVE to do it or am I being called to do it? Am I trying to impress someone? Am I trying to prove my worth?? Take a few minutes and look at the burden you’re carrying. You just might be surprised to see you shouldn’t even be doing it.
What do I know?
I know I need to stop and take some deep, deep breaths! Sometimes I forget to breathe. I know shallow breathing makes me tired. That makes a big difference!
What do I know?
I know, I need to make a list of all the things I need to do that are whirling around my brain. If I don’t get those things on paper, I have no clue where to start and my mind spins and I do NOTHING! Then the guilt starts and I spiral down a huge hole. Have you been in that hole? It’s not a fun place and just feeds the overwhelmed feeling. Here is a “to do list” that can help you get started. No excuses.
Now that it is all written down, I need to prioritize what NEEDS to be done today and what we can put off until tomorrow. For me, I need wisdom and direction from God to discern this. So, I pray.
I know I need to do the hardest thing first. If it’s really hard, I give myself permission to set a timer for 15 min. and then stop when the timer goes off. Take a break for 15 minutes and then get back to it. I can do anything for 15 minutes and 15 minutes is better than 0 minutes. One thing hanging over my head is my home needs a deep clean and a serious de-clutter. But it feels overwhelming! I don’t know where to start. So I need a plan. My plan is to pick a room and clean and de-clutter in that room for 15 min. a day. Most times I am in a groove and I keep going past the 15 minutes, BUT I don’t HAVE to. I get way more done when I do it that way.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I feel the very same way…Have a lovely day and God bless you!xoxoAnni
Perfectly said!! Thank you!p.s. I just barely found your blog! LOVE IT!!!!
Your words are so inspiring. I too have many burdens and I KNOW that some of them are not mine, but taken on by others who won't do theirs. My Pastor said I have created my own Hell, making myself the hub for all of the members of my household to get things done. I have become the Go To Gal. Now I have no time for "my" stuff. Time for me to re-evaluate. Thanks for your words here.
Ugh. You're right on all counts. I only say "ugh" because you're too right! 😉 Thank you so much for the solid reminders that the world isn't ours to hold on our shoulders–not even our own little worlds most of the time! Thanks for sharing this on today's Daily Blog Boost!!!
Thank you so much for this post.
I find that writing everything down rather than just letting it tornado around in my brain definitely helps. It also helps me look at the list and finish 1 little thing on it so I can feel like I'm getting something done. Thanks for sharing on the weekend re-Treat link party! Britni @ Play. Party. Pin.
Hi Barb, I just discovered your blog through a notice on StarSunflower Studio. Perfect timing too since I am in the process of creating a series of small cards – I'm thinking of calling them Care Cards: Words of Wisdom, Hope, & Inspiration – to hand out or mail out to those who would benefit by a little encouragement and a little reminder that can be posted where they can see it. Have a list of quotations and ideas and you've provided more! Thanks much!
Thanks for sharing this! I heard a speaker last night talk about this and she stressed how important it is that we take time out for us to meditate – even if it is 5 minutes. I always get up in the morning and the first thing I do is check my email and social media and start the day going a million miles an hour. This morning was different. I woke up – streched for the cell phone and then stopped myself. I remember I was going to spend some time on me and God this morning before anything else. I prayed, wrote a little in my journal about what I am grateful for. It took only 6 minutes but it started me off on a completly different outlook of the day – so nice! I love your to do lists – I make several a day 🙂 Thanks for linking up to my linky party!