“The legacy of your life will not be judged by how many emails you responded to or how well you maximized your lunch break. It will be measured, I believe, by how interruptible you were.” (Jeff Goins)
In 2013, God gave me the word moderation. For three quarters of the year, I struggled trying to grasp what moderation meant in a world with three children, two-and-a-half jobs, extracurricular activities, and a love of reading. I knew I needed adequate sleep, healthy food, and a chance to move my body on a regular basis. How was I supposed to do the above and meet deadlines, find time to date my husband, be there emotionally and physically for my kids, and spend quality time growing my relationship with God? And shouldn’t my relationship with God be first and not relegated to whenever it fits?
God used a series of events all year to gently show me what exactly defines an interruption. I wrote previously in “So Many Hats” about where my priorities need to be; however, knowing that truth and being able to put it into practice on a daily basis were two different things. I came to the realization I never wanted my relationship with God, my interactions with my family, and my health to become inconveniences with work receiving my best. I knew I needed to make some serious changes to keep my priorities in line with what God’s word instructs. However, I didn’t know how to do that since life continued to travel at breakneck speed. I didn’t think I could afford to slow down long enough to jump off.
It was then I realized God gave certain instructions for our life for a reason. He doesn’t tell us to rest on the Sabbath to keep us from having fun. No, He knows our bodies need a chance to truly relax in order to rejuvenate and enjoy good health. By allowing both our minds and our bodies to stop at least one day a week, we have a chance to truly rest and feel less stress. (Genesis 2:2-3). When we let go of anger and learn to forgive grievances quickly, our bodies and our minds are free to live peacefully instead of in turmoil. When we learn how to separate ourselves from our job and enjoy a relationship with God first, then healthy relationships with friends and family, I’ve found life is more enjoyable.
What about you? Are you trying to find moderation in your life or has God already taught you this principle?
© 2013 Cheri Swalwell