When Hectic Schedules Become a Family’s Obstacle

This fall season brought a busy schedule, an extremely busy schedule for my family. One that knocked me over like a strong wind storm.

Most days feel like a sprint with an eight-hour rest period. I’m continually correcting children, planning meals, washing clothes, getting on Facebook, pondering writing subjects and figuring out how to maximize time with my husband when we have so little to share.

How did all of this happen?

When {and why} do we allow our schedule and the things we want to do take over the things we need to do?

This weekend I took a step back, prayed and made some tough decisions I didn’t like. My role as a mom had mixed with my role as a blogger and encourager and my commitment toward each of them was wavering. I often forget my children are small and still need plenty of reinforcement. Two of them are struggling with personal responsibility and had some big issues come up where tough love was needed as a consequence.

I tried tackling a month-long blogging challenge. I finally decided I didn’t want to write about the ins and outs of our lives. I would rather give my readers two or three meaningful posts a week.

I also lead an amazing group of women for a link up each week and handed the responsibility over to someone else this time.

My heart was heavy with the notion that I would let them down. But you know what? I.needed.a.break.

In the sixth chapter of Mark, Jesus miraculously feeds five thousand people with a few baskets of bread and fish. The contents of the baskets quadruple several times in a matter of seconds because Jesus asked his Father for more.

After everyone was fed Jesus instructed the disciples: “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while (Mark 6:31).”

Jesus didn’t expect his disciples to just get up, shake off the miracle and keep moving. He told them to move away from the crowd and find a private place to slow down. These men had been a part of something no one had ever seen before. They needed to recharge before taking on the next crowd.

Even though I’m not feeding five thousand people each day, I am completing hard work that is repetitive and sometimes daunting. I wonder why I keep going.

Then I receive an email from a woman who connected right away with a recent blog post and minutes later my daughter comes over and asks if I’ll get off my phone to play dolls with her.

I’m quickly reminded of my calling to be a wife, mother and encourager. The balance is found by taking my cares to God and allowing him to direct my steps. It isn’t easy on my controlling nature but the Refiner will change me through each situation.

But will I let Him? Will you?            

~Sarah.