So there I sat, my face in my hands, tears of frustration rolling. Three years ago, if you had told me that I would be working on my second book, holding down a full-time job, caring for my elderly mother, raising a high school senior, and encouraging my husband to make a bold career change, I would have laughed. But the stress and tension of it all was very real when I let myself feel all the emotions I had pent-up inside. What had I gotten myself into, and more importantly, how do I get out of it?
Can you relate? Has your life ever felt like a game of Twister? Pushing you. Twisting you. Challenging you to reach out and touch one more circle (aka responsibility). It can really throw a girl into a self-pity party like no other!
And in the mist of it all, we think about our Christianity and how our faith should be enough for us to take on the world –and we feel worse.
I have been in this situation more times than I like to admit. On the outside, I seem to have it all together. On the inside, there is a lava pit bubbling. Often, friends who know all the things I juggle on a day-to-day basis will ask: “How do you do it all?”
My answer to that is always the same: “I have Jesus.”
Listen, none of us are superheroes. Although some of us can put on a strong front for a while, trust me, we have our moments too! We are all God’s creation, and how we handle the chaos of life is tied to our uniqueness. But let’s look at some ways in which we can all find comfort and feel a little more in control, even when life gets hairy.
- First, and foremost, we have to hold on to this promise by Jesus:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Girlfriend, He’s got this. Don’t think about it. Don’t run through all the scenarios your mind is tempting you to consider. Just BELIEVE it!
- Stop beating yourself up for being human! Those little tear ducts in your eyes are there for a purpose. Sometimes, we just have to let the tears flow. Most research studies agree that crying on many levels is a healthy form of releasing our emotions. When I stay all balled up inside, it only leads to more stress and often to feelings of anger.
- Don’t believe the myth that you can really balance everything you do. It is impossible! Not too long ago, my pastor shared this thought with me, and it changed my entire perspective.
I know, some of you are about to quote Matthew 19:26 or Mark 10:27 to me, which states: “…with God all things are possible.” Hey, I love that verse too, and believe it will all I’ve got. But if you really look at the context of the verse, it is focused on salvation –not our everyday responsibilities.
The point is we are all attempting to balance many things in our life. But while we have one thing under control (70%), something else is lacking (30%). Maybe your tasks are at a 60/40 split or a 25/25/50 split. Owning up to the fact that they will never be at a 50/50 split, takes a LOT of pressure off. The key is to do the best that we can at the task at hand and then when we can turn our attention to something else, give that task the attention it deserves. That’s it! That’s all you need to do!
- Don’t go overboard! Listen, emotional release is needed, but don’t try to win an Oscar while you are at it! I hear you giggling, so I know you know what I mean. Flinging yourself on the bed or going through five boxes of Kleenex may be just a little excessive. Remember what 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP) teaches us:
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].
Once you have let the tension out, let it be done! Your family will thank you later.
- Lastly, don’t attempt to do life alone! We were created for fellowship –fellowship with God and with others. Surround yourself with two or three really good friends and do life together! Get involved in your local church and assist others in their time of need. Soon you’ll have a network of folks to rely on in your time of need! I highly recommend it!
Feeling better? I hope so! Life is tough some days, but you don’t have to let it defeat you. I challenge you to post this list of reminders everywhere you need to! Let them lift and encourage you in those weary and tired moments.
- Remember, Jesus has overcome the world!
- Relax; it’s OK to be human.
- Come to terms with the fact that complete balance in life is a myth.
- Don’t go overboard! Strengthen your self-control muscle daily.
- Do life with others!
There it is in a nutshell. My ability to handle the chaos in my life stems from these five truths! I hope you will take this to heart. If you have something to add to the list, go for it! Make it your own, and consider sharing it with the rest of us! Looking forward to seeing you (and me) grow in this area!
How do you handle the chaos of life, and what one thing do you want to start doing in order to handle it better?
Blessings!
Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
I like that five, Great Counsel. Copied, pasted, printed, pasted. Certainly written by a person who cares deeply about others and has acute sensitivity and wisdom.
Suffolk’s finest!