Usually when responsibilities pile up and I feel overwhelmed, I burst into a plaintive quote from Dr. Seuss:
This mess is so big and so deep and so tall, I cannot clean it up, there is no way at all! (from The Cat in the Hat)
Last Saturday morning a couple of large household projects were weighing on my mind, and I tried to cheer myself up by turning it into a song:
Sumo, on my shoulders: I’m not happy.
Sumo, on my shoulders, makes me frown.
Sumo, on my shoulders, is so heavy,
Sumo, almost always, brings me down.
With many apologies to the memory of John Denver, you can sing these words to the tune of “Sunshine on My Shoulder”. Indeed, that’s a much better song to sing, so go ahead. And no, I’m not embarking on a new career as an artist or a lyricist.
It’s true, though: things pile up in our minds and they do bring us down. And that’s not the way God wants us to live. I’ve been struggling with this lately, trying to be more faithful in my responsibilities without burning myself out. “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13, NLT*)” but I need to focus on one thing at a time and do that thing in His strength instead of on my own.
I believe God gives us enough hours in the day to do the things He intends us to do in that day. Sometimes I need to remind myself of that, to talk that Sumo off my shoulders. Lately I’ve found a lot of freedom in the Bible’s promise of wisdom for those who ask (see James 1:5 and my post “Is Your Loyalty Divided?“). God, I need wisdom to see what to do when, and to not think about the other stuff.
Here are six links I’ve found in the past few days that are helping me learn the lesson even better:
- PERSEVERANCE (janiscox.com)
- A Life Plan When You’re Overwhelmed with printable poster (aholyexperience.com)
- Advancing from Darkness to Light (marywaindbeechcrofttales.blogspot.ca)
- Deadly Distractions (rogertharpe.wordpress.com)
- Staying the Course (lynndove.com)
- Nine Steps to an Unbalanced Life (maranathanews.com)
*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
[Linking with Janis Cox’s Wednesday’s Word: Perseverance]
Great post, Janet. For me, that Sumo’s name is procrastination. lol
Procrastination is definitely a hefty Sumo. Sometimes he brings his buddy Dread along to bulk him up.
Love the artwork.
Did you recognize me? 🙂
What a great post Janet. Amazing that so many have heard about perseverance this week. Never let go, never stop. God can do anything through us.
Blessings on your day.
Did you see that I forgot Under the Cover of Prayer today? But I really wasn’t worried. I knew that God had a reason for that being late.
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
I did see your post about forgetting… and it’s great to be able to realize these things and laugh instead of getting upset. I had a moment like that the other day, and it’s such an encouraging sign that we’re growing! Blessings on your day!
I really enjoyed your post and your pictures! I get stressed by thinking about all the things I have to do as well. Singing and giving these things to God makes all the difference.
Singing positive songs, especially worship songs, sure does make a difference. I find the music especially helpful in focusing my faith on the words — and on God. Singing “poor me” songs like my Sumo song just makes things worse — I try to catch those ones and divert them right away. Remembering we’re not alone makes a huge difference too!
Standing close by your side on Phil. 4:13, Janet, while tugging on Rom. 15:13 and thanking Him for the hope He gives through it all. We have the bestest Helper!
Thank you, Mary. Standing together is always the best. I don’t even want to think of where we’d be without our faith family and especially without the Author and Finisher of our faith, who gives us hope!
Love you and your honesty, my friend. Blessings!
Thanks, Stephanie!