A new year is quickly approaching — 2018! It seems like only yesterday that I was reading “1984” for English class and 1984 seemed a long way away. Between then and now my life has had changes, additions, deletions, excitement and despair. Through it all, my relationship with God has deepened and I seek to know Him more and more.
One challenge that I have is that I try to do TOO much. It’s important that I learn not to take on more than I can handle. More importantly, I shouldn’t take on situations that God never intends me to. Exodus 14:14 says: “The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.” In the stillness, He will lead me and guide me on the paths He chooses for me. Today I found a list of 9 things that may help me as I try to make some needed changes.
let go — purge It is important to let go of “stuff”, emotions and even some people that are interfering with my ability to be still. Things that interfere with my ability to create a quiet, peaceful atmosphere for myself, inwardly and outwardly
say “no” – Not everything someone asks me to do or every idea that comes to mind needs to be nor should be acted on. Sometimes using stalling tactics is the best way to handle these situations. I need to step back and consider before I act or consent to getting involved.
use your calendar – When I was working shifts and weekends when my children were in school, I sometimes took a morning to read a book. Later, I took a “rest day” at sometime during the week if I worked the weekend. But now, with my children grown and working on a casual basis, I sometimes don’t take the break I need, especially the mental break. I need those times to “be still”.
don’t over commit – There are so many activities to get involved with, especially as a member of an active church. Yes, it’s great to be involved, but I need to know my limits. For me, it works best to choose one or two weekly activities to be involved with and then “help out” as I can in other areas.
prioritize – This can be a challenge for me. Often my “to do” list is quite long and I am running out of time before the most important tasks are done. Clutter makes me feel disorganized, so I should probably start putting things where they belong before I even start on my list. Everyone’s priorities are different and I think it’s important to respect your own.
use a timer – This is an concept that I will experiment with. I think that this will be most useful with the way I spend time on social media — or watching TV — or tackling some of the tasks I don’t like doing (break the job into “bite-sized” pieces).
set boundaries – It is so easy for me to be pulled into other people’s situations. Many times I am probably aware of these mental and physical needs for a reason. But sometimes, I take on too much. I feel resentment, tired, overwhelmed, and “not still”. Maybe I need to pray more and do less. I definitely need to be aware of whether I am doing what God calls me to do.
delegate – Sometimes I’m not even thinking about what other resources are available for a situation besides me. Delegation done well can create a team spirit and bless everyone involved. Delegating frees me to do the things I am meant to do. When I am doing the things I am meant to do, I will feel “still” even in a busy situation.
establish habits– My challenge in this area is that I often try to establish habits that don’t fit me. There are so many ideas out that of what we should do and where we should go and how we should spend our time. It’s easy to try to follow a plan that doesn’t work. I want to establish habits that help me love God and my neighbour and that help me “be still”. Habits that help me “be still” as I care for myself physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Another year is dawning. My I use it well!!
Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Blessings for a wonderful 2108!!
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