I am often asked by mothers who are struggling "How do you get it all done?" I don't get it all done. There are many things left undone when I crawl into bed each evening. Sometimes the workload gets to me, and I have to stop and reevaluate what is important.
God has made it clear to me through His Word that my husband, children, and home are to be my priorities. (Titus 2:3-5) Anything that takes away from them needs to be re-examined. They have to stay where God placed them in my life.
I enjoy helping with ministries, making soap, and homemade gifts, and selling online. I enjoy working with our animals, maintaining our websites, taking pictures, drawing, staying in touch with friends, and reading. I also enjoy gardening, yard work, and making herbal medicine. I like to sew, draw, cook and take walks along the waterfront. I enjoy many things, but none of those things are to be given precedence over what God has said must come first.
The last pregnancy put me far behind in many areas of my life. (Every pregnancy puts me far behind in many areas of my life!) I haven't been able to do much about it, but now Emily is older and more content to wait for me to get to her. I have recovered my health and most of my strength. I am suddenly overwhelmed by all that needs my immediate attention.
I've been asking God for more energy, more time, more help, and more ability. Still I fell behind even though I was working from dawn to dusk trying to catch up.
Yesterday morning, I cried out to Him and asked "There is so much that needs my attention Lord! I can't see me getting it done any time soon. While I am thankful for so many opportunities, I am overwhelmed by all that needs me. Help me to know where to start and how to go about catching up. Show me what is OK to let go and what needs doing first."
God pointed me back to His Word. He reminded me of what should be my priorities. He illuminated where I am (lamp unto my feet) with a clearly lit path to follow as I begin to find my rhythm again. I am a wife and mother first. Then I need to make my home a blessing to my family and our visitors. I've been here many times before and know that if I do it God's way, the rest will fall into place as I go along.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path Psalms 119:105
