There is HOPE for an overcommitted soul like me

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I love the word HOPE because it means there is something more to come. A period of refreshment and desire to begin again if you will.  And with all of the overload in my life, I treasure all the moments of encouragement I can get.

I made a pledge a few months ago to not let life’s busyness overwhelm me. I even added that goal to the 2016 list so I would remember its importance and my struggle. Have I been 100% successful with keeping that pledge? I have not. I still find myself juggling the responsibilities of work, obligations at home, the extracurricular activities that loom beyond the four walls, and the longing I feel for uninterrupted time with family and friends.

And yet the day-to-day living continues. The difference? It doesn’t matter how old I am, I refuse to give in to the ‘monster’ of overwhelm. I really do believe that with prayer, His staying power, and my accountability with a friend, that I can conquer the feeling of always being overcommitted.

For short periods of time I do pretty well with scheduling. I make great efforts to slow down my harried pace and I prayerfully consider each request that wants a chunk of my valuable time.

But just when I think I have things figured out, the prince of darkness swoops in and distracts me from the important things that count. My struggles with overcommitment are easy to see. Much of the blame is because I am a fixer; a problem-solver if you will. I never realized all those years ago that coming up with solutions for day-to-day people problems would be a skill set needed around the clock whether on the job or off.

And add to the mix that I’m an overachiever, a perfectionist, and yes, even the word intense has been used to describe me. So I know there’s a problem.

So what does all of this mean?

It means that if I allow it, I become bogged down in all of the extraneous stuff and don’t take enough time for all of the important stuff–like spending the time I so desperately need in His word, or engaging in precious conversations with my family and friends, or taking the time I need to keep myself healthy and happy.

But, there is hope for someone like me who deems herself worthy as long as I’m caught up in some worthwhile project, tending to a friend or family members need, or saving the world, as I sometimes call it.

God’s word tells me that despite my imperfections ‘I am enough.’ And thankfully it’s His voice  telling me when it’s time to stop, take a breath and push the pause button so I can refocus on what matters most. Of course it helps if I am quiet and listen for His whisper. I can’t hear Him if my busy life is drowning Him out.

1 Corinthians 1:9 tells me, “Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.”

While I continue to work on this area of weakness I am comforted in knowing that He is with me even in my overwhelm. When I spend time in His word I feel His endless love for me. He calls me by name and He gives me strength and courage to move forward. That’s the hope and joy I’m talking about.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Blessings & Hugs,

Mitzi