In general, I like to be busy. I prefer to have plans. I guess I get that from my mom who can barely sit through a movie. During this season of my life, I find myself extremely busy. Take last week for example:
Monday-work, appointment in Huntersville, coordinators meeting at Blakeney
Tuesday-work, ran errands, dinner with Laura and Liz in Cornelius
Wednesday- work, LOVE week event at Samaritan’s House
Thursday- work, work 3 hours at the nursing home
Friday-work, work 2 hours at the nursing home, Mardi Gras party at Colleen and Taylors
Saturday- serve 11-2 at crisis assistance for LOVE week, clean up apartment, set up for church, hang out with Alison
Sunday-serve at elevation university 7:45-2, dog sit for Nikki
None of those things were bad per say, nor do I want to take any out of the mix. The bad thing is not once did I rest or spend quality time with God. I was so busy going I didn’t have time for rest. Saturday night I lost it. I was at my breaking point and luckily people who care about me most were there to tell me it was ok. Sunday I slept a lot (13 hours off and on). Today I took half a sick day because I was up half the night with a stomach ache. I think God is trying to tell me to slow down. I’ve been trying for a few weeks now to find a balance. I just kept telling myself that once something was over things would slow down. At first it was Code Orange Revival, then LOVE week. I have to make things slow down. I have to learn to say no. Yes everything I’m doing is good but too much of a good thing can be detrimental. Craig Groeschel wrote a whole section about time in his book Weird. He reminds us that “Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.”
Matthew 11:28-30 says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden in light.” Craig Groeschel challenges us in Weird by reminding us that Rest isn’t just a luxury, it is required. We are required to take a Sabbath. I need time to rest. I need time with God. I have to make that a priority.
I’m so lucky to be a part of an eGroup that prioritizes that. This weekend we are going to the mountains to do just that. Rest. Focus on God. Spend time together. Spend time in the word. It is exactly what I need. I’m praying God will show me where I need to say no.
Hope this helps someone else out. Prayers that I will find a healthy balance are much appreciated!
Heart & Soul,
Kristi
