Saturday, September 6, 2008

The post I didn't plan

Okay, I didn't plan to post today, simply because I'm overwhelmed.

There is so much I need to do - TODAY! Things that must be finished in time for Monday, which is when the new school schedule "goes live."

Remember that schedule I posted about some days ago?

It's still not finished.

I feel like a balloon that has been blown up and let go, zooming all over the room. Actually, that's not a good example, because I'm not busy enough. I guess I feel more like a fly that's been squashed on a tread mill.

Then I visited Keeper of the Home, and saw a post about living simply. "What are you learning about seeking greater simplicity in your life?" the provoking question asked. It echoed a thousand times in the chambers of my mind.

I haven't been living simply lately. Things have been quite hectic. I long for a slower pace...yet, I don't, because I need to get things done! Is it possible to accomplish things without feeling so...frantic?

It's all inside my mind. Its a mindset. My family could tell you I haven't been working any wonders around here lately, despite my complaints about "too much to do." I just feel overwhelmed.

This verse is playing faintly in my mind; "thou wilt keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee."

And this one: "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your heart and minds through Christ Jesus."

I know that living "simply" isn't what I'm really after; it's living peacefully that I want. And my Heavenly Father holds the key to that.

So today, by God's grace, I plan to focus just on pleasing Him with my attitude, words, and actions. When I'm about to pull my hair out, I'll remember "peace." When I'm about to speak roughly to my little sisters, I'll remember "love." When I'm about to tell Mom I can't handle another chore, I'll remember "obey." All by God's grace, of course.

"He hath shown thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8)

It's that simple?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love that verse (thou wilt keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee). I think that living simply is not necessarily about a slower pace (though it can be sometimes), but often just about our attitude and our willingness to stop and listen to the Lord, and see what He has for us (instead of what we think we should be doing). Peace can exist in the midst of busyness if we're honoring Him in what we do. I hope that you find that peace today, through His grace!

Sarah said...

Thank you so much for sharing this, Amber! I needed to hear it, and it was a great blessing and encouragement to me. Thank you!

Amber said...

Oh, I'm glad, Sarah! Glad that you could profit from it, and glad that I'm not the only one who feels in need of such encouragement. May you have a very peaceful day!

Thank you for visiting, Stephanie@Keeperofthehome. I'm honored to have you here! And thank you for your lovely comment.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for that reminder, Amber Sue! I also feel like I'm getting overwhelmed with life sometimes, and it's hard to keep up with "all that I have to get done before such and such a time!" However, it's great to be reminded of those verses just when I need them - thank you!

YayaOrchid said...

Oh, this is such a perfect post! It seems you read my mind, and the Lord gave you the Scripture to quiet my overwhelmed feelings. Like you, I too long for simplicity. But I feel I'm not doing enough. So in between wanting to accomplish MORE, and trying to simplify, I think I get lost in the muddle. You know what I mean? But you're right, the goal should be to live peacefully. Thank you for these thoughts you shared!

Amber said...

Welcome to my blog, Yayaorchid. I know what it feels like to read something and think "that's just like me!" I'm glad you too are longing for peace. I'm sending up a prayer for you. :)