Always adding…

I love new opportunities. But, with a packed schedule, if I add something, I need to say “good-bye” to something else.

This sounds like my wardrobe. And my book collection.

I cannot keep adding to what I do without allowing some space for it. So, I am going through a bit of a re-evaluation.

What are my priorities?

There are only so many hours in a day, in a week, in a month, and in a year.

And, it would be foolish for me not to include time and space for the unexpected. Sometimes those unplanned things are super amazing and sometimes they are super intense and draining. But, the truth is, we all have them. This year we started off with what was probably Flu A for two months.

Two months. Yikes! We had to just do the bare minimum to get by.

But we are finally healthy in that respect. In terms of business, I am always evaluating what is working and what is not. Or, even if something is “working” is it where I should spend my time? Maybe the things I added during a season were meant to be there for only a season. What gets to be a part of my “permanent collection” and what needs to be pared down.

Pruning doesn’t only mean you are trimming dead stuff. Pruning is also cutting off the living branches because they are growing in undesirable directions or they are crossing another branch or even rubbing on another branch. Trees and bushes burst forth with lots of possibility. We can shape and tame them. Proper pruning can encourage stronger, healthier growth and prevent future problems.

We can also shape and tame our schedule. And, similarly, proper pruning of our schedules can encourage growth and strength and prevent future conflicts.

So, if you have been adding to and never subtracting from the demands you put on your life it might be time to think through that a bit. I typically don’t make rush decisions unless I am pressed. But I do trust that God will give me insight either through those around me or just “that feeling” that something needs tweaking in my schedule.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

The Gift of Time

It’s a new day, a new week, and a new plan for us. We are getting closer to our new normal as our youngest two moved back to their apartment. All of the activities we carefully made for this year are in the circular file and we are back at the drawing table.

For those of you who, like me, are experiencing a schedule that looks something like the wide open west, this is a unique opportunity to look over your schedule. As you look to planning the next month or so, an important clue is to think about what you are longing for — what have you missed during this time of restriction? What are the things that are you are relieved are off the table?

So many of our days are outlined by things we have to do and that is definitely a part of living life here on Earth. But, we do have a lot of choices in our day and today is a great day to invest in a relationship that you value. Reach out! Make a connection. Send a card. Make a phone call.

For those of you who are juggling so much that you are exhausted and you collapse in bed every night, better days are on the way. Hang tight. Reach out for help. And, hopefully, you are experiencing some positive things along the way.

Resting in His Grace,
Liz

You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Is it Saturday?

In some ways, it feels like it has been a year of Saturdays. Our youngest two have been staying with us and we have not been traveling. Our schedule is not at all the same. And we continue to wait for what is next. New things have become regular and many “regular” things have disappeared from my day/week.

It is hard to predict what will be next. How differently will things look? How differently will my life look? And, in the midst of all of the changes and disruptions, can I still give praise and honor to my Creator?

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Everyone has some changes to adapt to and that means everyone is expending energy getting used to them. We are all a bit depleted — and maybe not accomplishing as much as normal. We will all need some extra patience in the days to come.

But, as long as we are breathing, we can give praise. The circumstances of the day may change but Jesus does not:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Thank you, Lord, for being the constant in these crazy days! Praise you for all you are doing! Amen!