There are so many things we could be doing, yet if we tried to do all of them we quite simply wouldn’t have enough hours in our day. Unfortunately many times we try…we try to do what we think we should, we bow under expectations and what we see others around us or on social media doing, and when we fail to keep up or end up in a frazzled disappointed mess we wonder what is wrong with us.
All round us is the opportunity to try, buy and sample new things. We are inundated with advertising, offers, choices, peer pressure and general noise, which if we are not very careful can influence our decisions and what we spend out time thinking about and doing. The urgent, and “should’s and can do’s” can drown out the important and our unique call and purpose.
However there is another way of life and that is to examine and ask ourselves regularly, “what am I doing, thinking about and feeling pressured by”?
What are the most important things in my life?
What do I really value?
What things have become a burden of, I should do this but I really wish I didn’t have to?
What things am I involved in that looked and sounded like a good idea at the time, but now are not working?
Being a wife, a mum of six kids, a pastor, homeschooler, as well as everything else I like to pursue, I know what it is to be busy and to have a lot of “noise” in my head.
Along the way I have learnt that some things are not necessary, like a spotless house and everything looking and being perfect. I’ve learnt the beauty of going with the flow where needed, choosing my battles wisely, and understanding not everything we can or should do needs to be done right now. There are seasons for things in life and some pursuits can and will wait for another time. If they are important God will bring them into our lives at the appointed time and when we have room in our life and hearts.
More important is that we discover what we value right now in the season we are in, with the relationships and purpose we have today, so that everyday we can filter all the pressure, expectations and choices through those values. When faced with a decision or we hear or read something that says, “you have got to try this or you should be doing this”, we can then weigh these choices against our values and decide whether they fit or should be put on the shelf for another time or passed by all together.
Today take some time to examine and search out what you value, what is really important to you and what God is encouraging you to spend your time and energy on. Then clear out any mental, emotional and physical clutter, take a deep breath and get on with what is most important and valuable to you and which helps you to continue to become the person God created you to be.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take”. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)
“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect”. (Romans 12:2 NLT)
Prayer: Lord would you please help me to slow down and to take the time to examine what is really of value to who I am and who you’ve called me to be. Please help me to then declutter my life so that I make the most of my day being and doing what I most value and is important. In Jesus name amen
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