Time management has not been my friend these past few weeks. It has been such a struggle for me. From homework, babysitting jobs, fundraising for this trip, and church commitments, to simple things like responding to texts and emails, doing my laundry, and keeping my room clean; I am being challenged to keep up with my responsibilities and to also make time for myself and other people. This is starting to be a huge season of change and it has honestly brought a lot of stress and anxiety on my heart. I have focused my thoughts on this, and it has been a challenge to keep my eyes on Jesus through it, but I have learned some pretty cool things over the course of 3 weeks, and so I just thought it would be cool to share.
Here is what I have been learning in the midst of the chaos and worry.
1. Community is important!
Even in all that I am “supposed” to be doing, I have been able to take Sunday nights to just be with my best friends. They have been relievers of my anxiety, they have been encouraging, and they have loved me in a way that has continued filling me up with joy and motivation. I am so grateful for the people that have intentionally put effort into being a part of my life and to build relationship with me and to walk through life with me.
2. I am not defined by my anxiety
After having an anxiety attack due to all the change that is going on in my life, such as starting a new school semester, turning 18 soon, being accepted into college, leaving what I know for a really long time, etc. It’s been so hard to handle, but as I was sitting on the floor at 1am, my sister said these words, “You are not your anxiety”. She was giving me hope and releasing my fear. I have been trying to see that there should not be fear in your imperfections. God is holding it all, and is always holding you as well.
3. Say yes to the things that fill your heart and glorify Jesus (SUPER WORTH IT)
Yesterday I walked into my church building. The worship pastor was right at the door and said, “Hey, do you know the song Raise a Hallelujah?” Before I could barely say, “yes”, he follows with, “Can you sing a little bit for me?” I did. Suddenly he told me that one of their vocalists for main service that evening had gotten sick, and he asked me if I would like to fill in and be at rehearsal in 5 minutes. I said yes without hesitation!! I was shown how everything works up on stage, and I worshiped my heart out. And guys, let me tell you that it was the most amazing and God-filled moment I have experienced in a while. I learned yesterday to take time for your passions, and to say yes when you get an opportunity. It gave me so much peace and pure bliss to start out my week. When worshiping and giving your time to God, He will surely give you back the time you need for everything else.
Matthew 6:25-34 says to not worry about our lives, and specifically in verse 33, it says, “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (MSG) So I am learning to focus on the Lord and give my life to him fully, as I am met with daily tasks and troubles.
Can I also mention that my friends are sooo encouraging and kind, and I experienced so much love from this experience yesterday…and I was even able to be up worshiping with my best friend who was on bass. It was just absolutely incredible and exciting and God is super cool.
4. Be Still
Psalm 46:10-“Be still and know that I am God.” This is a very well known verse to many, and in this past week it has been such a powerful source of peace in my life. Stress has been controlling a lot of my life recently, but because of this verse and because of recent conversations with my super amazing friend, I have been able to recognize that my God has a plan that is greater than my own.
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God’s shown a lot of goodness in the areas I am struggling and I just gotta say that I am super filled with joy to see what God has shown me and how he has grown me just through this blog post alone. I pray that God uses this to encourage you and motivate you in ways that only the Lord can show you. I pray that you see beauty in your own pain, and are able to see God’s heart through it all. Amen
And to add a little encouragement to your day, God’s perspective of you is greater and truer than even your own perspective of yourself! You are worth more than your stress, anxiety, and pain. You are amazing and beautiful, and have a super awesome purpose that surpasses your wildest dreams! You are so so so crazy cool!
