ENOUGH ALREADY!
It’s not even July and I along with so many others am tired of the ‘stuff’ that pulls me in every direction…accept the one I want to go. Some are enjoyable…gathering with friends and family over a barbeque or having a picnic; just you and your spouse down by the river with a good book and your camera. However, there is that other stuff that can be fun, but can also be stressful, like family reunions or worse – class reunions! There is also extra work that needs done at the church while you are still trying to get your own back yard in order as well as the fair weather painting and fixin’ up that needs to be done around the house. You are called on to help with missions and community projects, baby sitting and senior sitting. You are expected to have a smile, even when you answer the phone for the tenth time that day, wrong number or not.
Yes, you have to take time to eat, which means shopping and cooking and then cleaning up after yourself. Since there is no money left at the end of the week for a housekeeper you realize that you can’t let the cleaning and laundry slip so you stay up late to get that accomplished and just when you think you have everything under control…you get an invitation to two weddings, a graduation and a going away party. Enough already!
…spoke too soon - as if that is all there is to get done…perhaps you work outside the home and you are one of those that need to accomplish everything mentioned above and still put in a 40 hour week elsewhere. The thought comes to mind periodically that you would love to do some community or volunteer work, maybe for the homeless or at the nearby nursing home but you don’t see that coming any time soon. Wouldn’t you love to sit down and write an old fashioned letter without the use of the computer; curl up in a chair with a cup of warm tea while you scribble out the thoughts you want to share with someone? How about taking the time to watch an old movie with the lights down low and a big bowl of popcorn in your lap or lay back in the tub instead of hurrying through a shower; maybe light some candles and put on some soft music and just veg out until the water gets too cool to be comfortable!
Little ones getting bug bites and scraped knees; the car needs inspected, the insurance is due and hubby may be looking at a pay cut…what next? I picture myself in moments of frustration standing on a cliff facing the most beautiful blue sky with billowing clouds, the sun’s rays filter through like lasers and I, with my arms outstretched, yell out as loud as I can….ENOUGH ALREADY! ...and you know what I get for it? …yep “ENOUGH ALREADY, enough already, ready, ready, ready…” My own voice comes echoing back to remind me that if it is enough, it is I that must do something about it. But how much do I really want to change?
Kids grow fast, the seasons change…fast; family and class reunions keep you in touch with those you really care about, your home and those in it are an extension of yourself, all of which needs attention; your niece is getting married? …it seems you just held her on your knee and your best friend came to your son’s wedding and now it’s your turn to reciprocate and honor your friendship. Sigh…some of the responsibilities in your life are really blessings in disguise, face it.
Are you too tired? Me too. But listen, sometimes enough just isn’t enough. Let me give you an example: I have a loved one who would give anything just to be able to say she is too busy…those opportunities have been taken from her because of health issues. I have a friend who would love to baby sit or paint the house or serve at her church but chemo, heart and kidney treatments keep her from even trying. An accident took another friend’s ability to do even a fraction of what I am capable of doing and I’m considered a senior citizen!
Wait, there’s more. Jesus did more than die on the cross for us…He suffered on the cross for us…when is enough…enough? Yet, we are never satisfied with all of his promises, we just expect the Lord to do our part, after all, He’s God and he can do everything! Enough already – we must stop making excuses.
In 2000 I sat at the edge of the Grand Canyon and in awe of the spectacle before me I pondered at the enormity of it all. God is the creator. God formed the world and He formed me. He can do anything at will; what does He need me for? I felt so very small and unimportant when I let my thoughts travel upward toward the heavens…just what good can I do in this world?
Perhaps if I had shouted it over the canyons, I would have heard the echo back to me “What…what…what!” Instead, I heard a very clear message in my heart direct from the heart of God. This is what I felt, “It is true that I create it all. The canyon is a gift to you, it will help you to understand that it speaks the message of my power…my creation, but it doesn’t not send the message of salvation by my Son…that I have left up to you.” I was humbled. There are no words to express the fullness of my heart at that moment in time. God trusted me with his Word.
I’m still tired…I still feel the pull of so many responsibilities in so many directions, BUT – I remember that I have been blessed with health and endurance for the day…one day at a time… I have enough already…
I’m happy that everything I mentioned earlier isn’t on my calendar or list of responsibilities but sometimes I still feel over whelmed. You have a list of your own that wears you down and can burn you out. You also have been given the gift of discernment through Christ (if you are a born again believer) so that you can balance your responsibilities. You need to take care of your family, your goals (Christ centered as well as life centered), and yourself. When is enough, enough?
Plan your day around God to start. Allow Him the freedom to direct your way and you will meet your goals in a timely fashion; you may even get time for that bubble bath with candle light. Allowing God freedom to direct you means that you need to walk with Him consistently; how can you follow Him or walk with Him if you have hidden Him from your sight?
He is a faithful God, be a faithful child; trust the promises He offers by applying them to your life. He never fails.
“You know with all your heart and soul and not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed” Joshua 23:14 (NIV) That statement was made with confidence because it was based on truth and fact. His promises for you remain the same.
Embrace the day when enough is enough…you are given a great gift…it is called CHOICE. Do what you can, when you need to; don’t make promises that you cannot keep; check your calendar often; take good care of your health and praise the Lord that you have the ability to DO! …and may God bless you in a mighty way.
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