What Would Thou Have Me Do?
This past week has been a trying one. Starting with some very sick children, every plan I had or task on my to do list got shoved aside and rearranged. I rescheduled a birthday party. I burned the midnight oil when I didn’t have any oil left to complete some work deadlines and to catch up a bit around the house. I’m still not caught up. This next week is going to be a flurry of activity, and I’m a little overwhelmed just thinking about it. I crafted my to do list this week and it is already two pages long, and that’s just the stuff I can remember!
I have run on so little sleep this week and on so much worry. I have wondered frequently how I am still going and handling all of my many tasks. My family and friends have warned me not to over do it, but keeping up with my very basic “must do” list is over-doing it in and of itself. One person cannot be expected to take on everything I am taking on and be successful. Thankfully, I am not taking this on alone.
It has been so very evident and clear to me that I am not alone in all of this, and that I have the help of my Father in Heaven and my Savior. There is no other explanation to why I can do these things right now. There is no explanation for why I am in good health. Life may not be a cake walk, but it is possible, and possible with a lot of joy. I am being lifted and carried and given strength far beyond my natural capacity because He is mindful of me, and charitable in His grace. I am both humbled and very grateful.
Even yesterday, which was a difficult day, was remedied by His quiet prompting and guidance. I hit a very tired, very overwhelmed wall yesterday, and finally bowed my head and turned it over to Him asking only six words, “what would thou have me do?” His answer was immediate, and reassuring. Paths opened up, ideas came to mind, and the remainder of my day and my children’s day was peaceful and happy. I ended the day feeling as though everyone’s needs had been met, and feeling more calm and capable toward the upcoming events of this week.
The Lord is so willing to help us. It is kind of sad that I am so caught up in my plans and my control that I forget to ask Him, who is so much more capable and who sees the entire plan so much more clearly, that simple question. What would thou have me do? It is unlikely that His plans will bring significant deviation from the course I’m already on if I’m doing my best to live as He would have me live already. I will probably not be told to build an ark or wander in the wilderness for forty years; it is more likely that I will be given the direction and inspiration that I need to do what I am already trying to better. Knowing this, why am I so slow to ask, and claim the direction and blessing that He is waiting to give me?
The good news is, as stubborn and controlling as I am, I am learning a little faster each time. I know that we were not meant to struggle through this life alone, and we were not sent here to fail. In even the most difficult of situations, the Lord is there to hear us, help us, and make us more than we ever thought we could be.
So much to be grateful for.
You are an amazingly strong woman! Thanks for sharing this with us on your blog.
Comment by Erika M — December 15, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
I found your blog from your siggie on 2peas. I want you to know I’m praying for the Lord to continually sustain and uphold you. Praise God for His daily benefits. My family thanks you and your husband for your sacrifice for our nation. I pray you continue to get the help you need as you hold down the homefront while your husband is deployed.
Comment by Karalynn Tyler — December 15, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
I think that in some aspects, you and I come from different places. I know that we have different religious/spiritual beliefs. And yet the way you think about things is so familiar to me. It’s what I strive for in a way: to be grateful and open and trusting and joyful humble.
You are looking lovely, by the way.
Comment by Elizabeth — December 15, 2008 @ 8:24 pm
The Lord only gives us as much as we can handle. But sometimes we take on extras ourselves! ; )
lol.)
You remind me a lot of my SIL, she’s a month behind you and just as bad at taking it easy! However she just got knocked on her proverbial butt because she was overdoing herself so much her muscles started tearing, and now she has no choice but to slow down. Don’t feel guilty if you knock some things off your list, and don’t forget to take some time just for you every day to relax and take a moment to pause! Recharging your brain - and taking a moment to pray in there too - really does wonders when it comes to finding the means to do as much as you can.
Prayers, for you and for your children!
(and I’ll try to keep this in mind my own self, with my own overwheling and nearly-impossible to-do list, lol. But… uhh…. i’m not pregnant so i am allowed to burn myself out? no? that doesn’t fly? boo.
Comment by lorchick — December 15, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
Thanks for the reminder! I sometimes forget I don’t “have” to do it all by myself….but for some reason I choose to…
doesn’t make any sense though! I hear ya on the to-do list…..I have much to do and all the while with the anxiety of knowing I’m going to have to deliver a baby on Saturday and whatever I don’t get done….won’t get done! It’s kinda freaking me out!
Comment by Mica — December 15, 2008 @ 9:37 pm
Yes, is He not faithful! He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Comment by Maria — December 16, 2008 @ 2:35 am
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11: 28-30
Praise God for His unfailing love and concern for us. You’re right you are not alone. You have the strength of the Heavens and us fellow women of faith behind you.
Comment by Sherri Funk — December 16, 2008 @ 6:23 am
Thank You, I really needed to be reminded of those things. So Thank You very much!!
Comment by Carla Jenkins — December 16, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
Thank you…thanks for that reminder. It is so easy to get caught up and forget about what is really important.
Comment by Rachael — December 18, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
Thank you.
Comment by Alexandra — December 23, 2008 @ 5:22 pm