Rolling and rolling, it picked up steam as I desperately tried to slow its increasing pace. I’d briefly grab hold, but the sheer force was too strong causing me to stumble and tumble all over again. Lately, I’ve felt buried under an avalanche of commitments, projects, and multiple unexpected events. Not allowing enough margin has tested me. I’m glimpsing the light again and in it, God is illuminating so much more than my need for better time management.
During this avalanche, I prayed and listened for God to show me what to give up. My answer was not to give up, but manage better. When speaking to caregivers recently, I gave them the same message. It feels harsh, but sometimes we cannot change our circumstances. In some seasons of life, there isn’t anything to let go of, we just need to manage better. While this wasn’t the answer I was hoping for, it was an answer. So onward to improved life management…
My search for better has led me to:
- Look at my habits (see previous blog posts)
- Fervently seek joy (my one word for 2017) &
- Restore and organize my precious time.
Sorting this through with some friends and family this week lent more clarity. Ideas barrage my mind and at times, I may jump in before seeking God. One friend asked what lens or criteria I use to gauge something’s importance. My answer was to see if it aligns with my overall purpose. This applies to family, work, writing or anything I do.
But then I realized I don’t always do this with my time. Maybe this hits home for you too. Another friend’s devotion encouraged me to look at how Jesus managed his time. For Him, everything was about doing His Father’s will.
He had a plan and would alter it if needed, but how Jesus spent his time always came back to God’s will. This resonated and illuminated for me to stop chasing my own will and truly seek His.
God’s will is the lens through which everything should be seen.
Taking a rare moment over the holidays, I discovered my verse for this year.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. ~Ecclesiastes 3:1
Everything has a season. God is demonstrating, in big and small ways, this season for me is about managing. Continuing what I’m already doing but better and more efficiently, knowing more may be coming.
Enhanced time management means better organization. I want to be present with enough margin for the unexpected. I pray: To not rush as I seek God’s plans. To not be distracted when helping a loved one. To be fully present as I snuggle with a child or listen to a friend.
As I manage and try to organize better, even amid uncertainty, I know more lessons will be learned.
Lessons about habits,
New ways of organizing leading to stolen moments of margin,
And most importantly, how to live this life of following Him by finding joy in every step.[tweetthis]Seeing life through the lens of God’s will allows me to find #joy & margin to follow Him[/tweetthis]
This is what life is about: not how well I can plan and execute, but planning well enough to be present when it matters. This following, this faith I try to live doesn’t always go smoothly. But as my pastor and the psalmist remind us:
But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life. ~Psalm 42:8 (NLT)
If you know me, you won’t be surprised I’m already keeping a list of the lessons God is showing me. I’ll share them with you here in the coming months. But let’s remember this: it’s not about the avalanche. It’s about where the avalanche takes us and what we learn along the way. And seeing it all through the lens of God’s will.
Linking up with Crystal Storms at #HeartEncouragement , Brenda at #ChasingCommunity, Crystal Twadell at #FreshMarketFriday and Holley Gerth at #CoffeeForYourHeart
Hi, These are such good reminders and I need to apply each one in my life. I, too, get overwhelmed and frustrated with expectations and obligations. I would also like to lose some. I am going to consider my life’s busyness in light of what you shared and work towards better management. Thank you so much for sharing this. May your soul be refreshed in the One who leads us to live abundantly.
Thanks Cheryl for stopping by and your encouragement to me! Yes to refreshing our souls in Jesus!
Jill, I love that you have a verse-of-the-year. I need to do that. 🙂 Only with God is it possible to have an avalanche blow over you, but not topple you. — Can’t wait to hear all the lessons you’re learning. 🙂 — Thanks for sharing with #ChasingCommunity today, friend. xoxo
I can’t wait to learn all the lessons I sense God will have for me in the coming months. Hopefully I’ll listen more than ride the avalanche without direction and see my path through the lens of His will!
I am definitely on that same avalanche with you, Jill. I learn a lot from you about being purposeful in the midst of it. Thank you so much for this. It’s given me some specific things I need to do to better manage my avalanche
THanks Christa and right back at you, you’ve been such a blessing to me! Here’s to more clarity in the avalanche!
This is great, Jill. Your comments about restoring and organizing your time, with joy, hit close to home. As always, great tools for living.
Thanks Teresa-It is about letting go of my stuff and only holding onto what God wants for me right now. It takes discipline, trust in God and time management. But when those line up,the joy abounds!
” In some seasons of life, there isn’t anything to let go of, we just need to manage better.”
This is certainly true when raising kids with special needs. Time management is definitely needed. Thanks for sharing this!
You’re welcome Marlene! It doesn’t matter what the situation is, God will see us through when we lean into Him and listen!
One thing that has really helped me over the past year was reading David Harkavey and Michael Hyatt’s book Living Forward. It’s important for me to figure out what really matters to me so that I I can have my lens clear to actually see through all the busy in life :). May God bless you on your journey this year to better management!
Thanks Anita-I will certainly check out that book. Yes, the clear lens to see God’s will amid the busy is imperative to walking in His ways. I also loved you post on breathing! I’m speaking to caregivers a lot this year and am happy to share!
I know I can always use better organization. Sometimes I would rather let go, but it isn’t always an option. Great words!
No, it isn’t always an option, but leaning into and looking through the lens of His will always is! Praise God! Thanks Sarah!
Isn’t this a constant challenge!! I really connect with your verse for the year – such a good reminder to work in God’s seasons. I pray that you will truly remember that verse throughout the year as opportunities and ideas come your way.
Thanks Belinda, I appreciate your encouragement! Yes, I will try to set my eyes on this season and God’s plan for me in it!