Knee deep in
responsibilities that won't wait, I've been trudging through with all the
strength I've got just to keep from getting swept away.
I know. EXCUSES. Who
needs them, right? But in my overwhelmed state, I got to thinking about what's
essential to survive...in my job, in my day to day, and for my family.
Guess what got put
on the back burner-- this seemingly useless adventure in writing, of course.
Nobody will miss me,
I thought. I shouldn't feel guilty. Not even my mama reads my posts.
And then one day it
happened... someone called me out...sweet, loving, encouraging soul!
"Where are your
blogposts?" she said. "I've been looking for them."
OH.
WHAT?
Hanging my head, I
confessed my feelings of being overwhelmed and added, "My life's a mess.
Why would anyone want to read what I have to say?"
Without missing a
beat, she popped off, "That's your first line of your next post."
HA! Volumes of truth
were spoken to my heart right there in a less than 2 minute span of
conversation.
Oh how my God can turn
my mess into a message! He's been doing it for years.
Who am I to say
whether someone will find encouragement or strength or anything from what I do?
It's not my job to decide who gets what; it's my job to do what God tells me to
do... to teach, to sing, to write, to use what I've got.
Maybe someone out
there feels the way I do. They could be trying to figure out how to sneak in a
workout, prep lunches for the day, do laundry, and get the house clean for
weekend company, all before getting ready for a long work day that is book-ended with a practice, a ball game, or some other
event. Maybe there is someone else who needs a little inspiration to get the
day started on a positive note. And maybe I can sing (or write) that note for
them.
I don't think
anything is going to slow down around here. Things keep getting checked off my
list only to be replaced by new things.
I am victoriously
productive one day & feel completely useless the next.
All I know to do is
follow Philippians 4:4-9 and keep on moving.
"Rejoice in the
Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to
all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever
is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think
about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or
seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (NIV)
Bottom Line: With praise on our
lips, good things on our minds, and peace in our hearts, we can get a lot done
and hopefully bless a few folks along the way. At least that's what I pray will happen.
A few years back, I
made up this little acronym that helps me get back on track. I hope it sheds a
little light on someone's day today.
🌟SHINE🌟
Set goals & priorities.
Honor God & family.
Inspire others.
Nip complaining.
Enjoy life.
SHINE bright,
friends!☀️ Make a list.📝 Say your prayers. 🙏🏻 Get it all done with a positive attitude!➕😃
Until next time, I
wish you GRACE, peace, & productivity from the RED DIRT.
