When Your World Won’t Stop Spinning

(photo of me, courtesy Lisa Tarplee )

Another box arrives at the door, filled with books for homeschool. I carry them to the school room and begin the process of unpacking and organizing them. Breathing out an audible sigh, these books remind me that summer is nearly over. The rest, relaxation, and the slower pace I have enjoyed will soon end. My mind spins with the to-do’s I keep adding to my list.

A new school year means that Scouting starts up soon. The ladies Bible study I teach will begin as well. The projects I haven’t finished this summer loom large. My stomach tightens as I think, “I can’t get everything done. There’s too much to do.” Does your world spin too? Life keeps going no matter how prepared we are for it. Even with all our modern-day technology, we’ve yet to invent a way to add more time to our lives.

It’s when we get an opportunity to rest and relax that we realize just how busy we’ve become. As much as I love homeschooling and all the activities we have this fall, part of me wants to remain in summer. Life is simpler. Peace is plentiful. God seems closer. Perhaps it’s because I know that the burdens of life will creep back onto my shoulders once summer ends. Maybe I fear that life will spin so fast, I won’t be able to hold on. What if I lose this close intimacy I’ve found in God? Does summer really have to end?

While the warmth of summer will end and invite brisk cool air in its place, the peace and simplicity of summer does not have to leave. The peace we carry in our hearts comes from our relationship with God. He is with us not only during periods of rest and relaxation but every day. It’s only when our lives become cluttered with distractions, lists, and responsibilities that we don’t feel close to His presence. Yet, it is possible to live our lives with more peace and deeper connection with our Savior. To keep the peace of summer always in your heart:

• Live in the present and not the future: The responsibilities of life often keep us focused on tomorrow, next week, or next month. In doing so, we miss out on today. Scripture tells us to take joy in today (Psalm 118:24) Our eyes have to look at the world around us and rejoice in what He’s given us today. Take the time to marvel at His creation, to enjoy a child’s laughter, and to breathe in the gift of this day. Leave tomorrow in God’s hands.
• Give your time to God: To-do lists are good for they keep us organized and help us remember things we might forget. But they become a problem when they rule our lives. Make your lists but give them to God. Ask Him to help you accomplish what He wants you to accomplish today. Be at peace knowing that whatever is not completed will be completed in His perfect timing.
• Let go of your burdens and worries: We all have issues and problems that lie heavy on our hearts. Each day, be intentional in giving God all your worries. Be always in prayer, submitting your cares to Him. Trust Him to handle them.
• Weed out distractions: Evaluate the things in your life that are unnecessary. We all have activities that clutter our time. Weed out those time wasters. Clean out the physical clutter in your home as well. In simplifying life, it frees you to spend time on what’s truly important.

 

Christina Fox is a writer, blogger, coffee drinker, and homeschooling mom, not necessarily in that order. She is a licensed mental health counselor and Bible study teacher who desires to encourage women to develop deeper trust in their Savior. You can find her sharing her faith journey at www.toshowthemjesus.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToShowThemJesus.com.