Too Much... Not Enough

Can't help but laugh now, because I wrote this last night, and the slipped on over to (in)courage this morning only to read this post by Angie Smith. Hmm.... me thinks we are trying to be taught something by a certain, magnificent God.!

• Ya know, I like to pride myself on being pretty quick to catch on. Today was no exception. I was lead to the same quote not once, but twice. in one day. It comes from Stasi Eldredge's book "Captivating". And while I haven't read her book, I heard the quote 2 times. The first while checking in on this blog and the second while listening to Beth Moore's Esther study. Coincidence? I think not.

• Oh, did you want to hear the quote?! It is talking about how women feel as if they are "being too much and not enough" AMEN!

I am reading too many books right now to keep all of my thoughts straight(ironic isn't it?!) and participating in this amazing study of Esther, but it amazes me how all of these things tie in to each other! One of the books I am re-reading right now is simply entitled "Breathe" by Keri Wyatt Kent. It is basically a call for women, especially mothers to slow down and to not measure ourselves by our business. She may have even called some of us on page skimming through her book about slowing down to focus... I don't know who would do that! * ahem *

• This is a season of franticness. Our kids our involved in so much, and we feel they need to be to be well rounded, because that's what everyone is telling us. We need to volunteer to help with these activities, because that's what good moms do. We know, they told us! We need to volunteer at church, we need to keep the house clean, family well fed ( I know I for one have always had a perfectly kept house with fresh hot healthy and nutritious meals ready for my family, but I understand not all of you do. HA!) And then, lets not forget the the "Holidays" are coming. Why is it that we now come to see that as a negative? I love Thanksgiving, the crisp autumn air, the beautiful church service, the big family dinner, the fall decor that I may go overboard on. So why does the thought make my heart race?! And Christmas... in case you didn't know that, its coming. I know this because my local stores have decided to put out the decorations in September, lest I forget what will be arriving in just a few (3!) months. Isn't that supposed to be a good thing? Not shouted like a warning siren? A time to reflect on the miracle birth? The birth of a SAVIOR for crying out loud! Why do we say it like, "the holidays, ugh" ?

Because we are too busy! And when life gets crowded, what will be crowded out first? Our walk with God. He gets brushed aside, skimmed over to in a quick prayer. "Hey, God, what's up? Get me through this day, its gonna be crazy, Amen" I know I am as guilty as they come at this (I don't actually say "what's up" to God though, just to clarify). Our ability to focus on one thing has been lost in multi-media, and our ability to focus on Him has been failing daily.

• As women, we do feel that we can't slow down, it just adds to that statement, its too much, but still, not enough. Help me off of this ride, Lord. I just want to be held by you. I want to enjoy the blissful peacefulness in time spent with you. Speak to me through your word.

Matthew 11:28-30 we know well from the NIV 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Now hear it from The Message 28-30"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." I read this and I can just feel myself relax. Let out a deep breath and say "yes, Father. I am tired, thanks for taking this for me. Live freely and lightly? Sign me up!" ( I wonder if there is a car pool for that?) Have a blessed day!