Overloaded!
With the relentless sobbing of three preschoolers ringing in my ears, I succumbed to a full-blown mommy-meltdown. I sank into the nearest chair overwhelmed and shaking. For months I'd been running ragged on the fumes of an empty tank.
The reality of this truth threatened every fiber of my being. I adored my "three musketeers" (all in diapers), who kept me running. But I also continued to minister to a host of people through golden opportunities I couldn't resist. Lost in waves of failure and pain, I felt my husband's hand on my shoulder. I looked up to find him holding out my Bible, my purse, and the car keys.
"Brenda, it's time for a break." His eyes were kind. "We'll be okay."
Laced with love and no condemnation, Tim added, "Don't come back until the boys are in bed."
Guilt threatened my next move—but with a hefty dose of persuasion, love won out.
"Okay," I said. It was a moment of victory. I slipped through the door, ignoring the heightened wailing that ensued.
Ahhhh …
The right driving force
Guilt. It's a driving force behind much of our exhaustion. As Christian women, we say too many nos to the rhythms of rest and too many yeses to good things, like baking cupcakes, chaperoning car washes, shopping for a neighbor, or helping with the church's website. Every guilt-driven yes means a no to something important in my life.
Every day holds 24 hours. As gifted as we are at multi-tasking, there are concrete limits to what can get done in any given day. The result? We routinely short-change the top priorities of our lives. We're irritable and impatient with those we love. We forfeit our need for sleep. We pass through many days oblivious to the presence of God.
A remarkable story about guilt is tucked into the very first chapter of Mark. I missed its message for the first 40 years of my life, but it will be a driving force for the next 40.
When Jesus visited Simon's home where his mother-in-law was sick in bed, Jesus healed her and the news spread quickly. That evening the whole town gathered at their door. Jesus ministered to each one late into the night.
Waking early the next morning, Jesus slipped away to a quiet place to be alone with his Father. As the sun rose, a fresh batch of people gathered at the house. A group of disciples went looking for Jesus. When they finally found him, they announced, "Everyone is looking for you!" Can you hear their intent to instill guilt? The people waiting at the house for Jesus had legitimate needs and a real desire to meet him. Yet listen to Jesus' reply: "Let us go somewhere else …"
Refusing to be guilt-driven, Jesus chose to be Spirit-led. Jesus' holy yes to God meant an earthly no to real people with real needs. The lesson is clear—just because there's a need, doesn't mean I've been called to meet it. The next time an opportunity comes knocking on your door, consider these three suggestions.
Related Topics:
Guilt, rest, Restoration, stress
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Glenn
Disappointing. I thought that the article would be just the ticket. It turned out to blame God for self indulgence
M Carril
It is just as important to say "No" as to say "Yes". Everyone should pause and take this article to their heart. Saying "yes" to something may mean you saying "no" to your children or your spouse, while believing that you are saying yes "for" them. Kudos to the author and CT.
Terry
Your comment on knowing the mission during a particular season is so key! I think a lot of (especially those of us raising children and serving ministerially)times we have this idea that if we do not "do" whatever it is at this immediate moment it will forever be taken from us or we'll some how not get this chance back to influence or participate, etc.. I have found as I trust God to fill every season with all that He wants for me and those who are and will be influenced by my life,that I do not have to stress in leaving some things behind. Moreover, it has been my experience that as I leave them to God, He brings them around again sometimes packaged differently and I am more ready to be used .
Melisa
Sorry, I forgot to rate the article :)! Woops!
Melisa
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