We hosted 18 people for a fundraising tea in our home on Sunday afternoon. Everything looked beautiful. Vintage linens neatly ironed; three-tiered stands of savory treats, scones and sweets; vintage linens, antique silver and fresh flowers. Handmade, coordinated party favors, menus and name tags. The main floor where the guests gathered looked clean and inviting. The whole thing could have been in a magazine spread. Ok, I just dated myself. I guess I should have said it was Pinterest worthy.
But underneath lurked a different story. The closet door they walked by as they came in the front door? Hiding piles of product from the company where I am employed. The kitchen cabinet as they entered the kitchen? Filled with Christmas cups that have not been switched out for the everyday cups. If they had toured the house they would have seen a messy master bedroom upstairs. Highlights include scrapbooking tubs from a November retreat that are still not unpacked and a craft space where every surface is covered and you can barely get to the work space. In the basement they would have seen a home office where there is only enough floor space cleared to make a path from the door to the printer.
The irony of all this, of course, is that I am an organized person who generally uses my time well and has some great systems in place. I make a “to do” list every day and diligently work my way through it. I train at work on the importance of organizing, creating systems, and time management. One of my speaking topics for my ministry is “Organizing Your Home: From Chaos to Control.” I am passionate about helping women create margin in their life to breathe. But honestly, right now, my life is out of control and I am having trouble catching a breath. Experience has taught me that when there are hidden parts of my house not available for public view they are a symptom of a much bigger problem.
My eating habits are another sign that tells me things are out of control. I made a healthy black bean chili for my family last night and a brownie bite bar for a meeting I had in my home. No time to eat the chili so, yes, I had brownie bites for dinner last night. I can’t even imagine how many Weight Watchers points I consumed! The night before I ate leftover tea food for dinner with an emphasis on the sweet rather than the savory. Eating healthy and exercising takes time. If I am doing neither it is another arrow that points to a life out of balance.
Is stressed, maxed and overwhelmed what God wants for our life? No. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28–30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." A wise friend recently said when you feel pressure you need to ask where it is coming from because this verse tells us it is not coming from God.
Precious Father, thank you that I can come to you when I am weary and burdened and you will give me rest. Help me to create margin in my life and find my breathing space again. Forgive me when I over schedule and my life spins out of control. Help me to find and use my “best yes” regarding the opportunities that come my way. And Lord may I give my family my best and not what is left over after the rest. Amen.