“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Last time we were together we talked about genuine relationships and truly knowing those around you. Today I want to focus on another equally important truth – staying close enough to God to know your own limits.
This past spring was a busy season for our family. We were dealing with a few serious health crises of several family members, emotional burdens of other family members and then added busyness of “end-of-the-school-year activities.” Additionally, this year our oldest graduated from high school which brought about the added joy of planning his party in the midst of the normal busy.
One particular day last week I was attempting to juggle my own doctor’s appointment while fielding updates from another family member’s serious illness, all while gathering prices at various stores for the party we were planning and a host of other obligations simultaneously. I looked up at one minute when a urinal caught my eye – cluing me in to the fact I had walked into the men’s bathroom instead of the ladies room! Two stores later, I “woke up” from my thoughts with enough time to stop myself from nearly shoplifting three containers of juice because my mind simply wasn’t in the present but on all the other things vying for attention. It was then I realized I’d hit my limit. I honestly at that point couldn’t put one more thing in my brain and realized I shouldn’t be making any major decisions until I allowed myself time to rest and recover, if only for a few hours.
I went home and first filled up with God. I took time to give Him each of my concerns, one by one, until He was holding them and had given me back His peace instead. Then I chose activities that didn’t further deplete my exhausted body and instead gave myself permission to take a few hours for me. The next morning, after having a decent night sleep for the first time in days, I was able to again tackle what needed to be accomplished. I was able to care for others who needed more assistance than myself and continue planning for a party that would be here and done before I knew it.
It’s important to know our limits. It’s also important, when we can, to fill up with God before we allow ourselves to get completely depleted. Sometimes, though, life hits hard and fast and we can’t fill up as fast as we have to pour out. That is when relying on God’s strength is the most important decision we can make.
Praying that each of you take the time today to fill up with God before life tries to deplete the reserves you have stored.
#Knowyourlimits #fillupwithGod #SpokenfromtheHeart
© Cheri Swalwell 2018