Trusting God When Life is Overwhelming
I have mentioned several times lately that my current life circumstances have been leaving me feeling extremely overwhelmed and highly stressed out.
The baby phase is always tough anyway, and when you have a lot of other things going on, plus Alan working late, it just seems even tougher to me. I’d love to stop the world and wait on John David, but of course, that’s just not possible.
I keep trying to strategize and find a way to make my life easier, simpler, and more stream-lined.
Feeling stressed and out of control is miserable. I like being able to stroll breezily along, humming a happy song in my head. : ) Totally serious. This is how I like life to be!
This, what I’ve been doing lately, is not like that at all.
- There have been tears.
- negative thoughts
- lots of not-so-nice things said
- wringing my hands….
I feel so sorry for people who live life always this busy! Life is short, and the grief is not worth it.
I pounded the pavement twice today, just to clear my head, pray about this, and think about this. Being the cranky no-fun lady is not my aim. I took a run this morning–I LOVE going for a jog. When I walk or run, I pray.
Today message from God felt very clear: I need to trust him.
You know what the Bible tells us that Jesus did, after constantly being surrounded by people? He went off to a quiet place by himself to pray!! Over and over again it tells us that he did this!
[click_to_tweet tweet=” Okay, if Jesus needed to retreat from his family and friends and be alone, you know we need it even more! #alonetime #pray #BelikeJesus” quote=” Okay, if Jesus needed to retreat from his family and friends and be alone, you know we need it even more! “]
People that were around him constantly needed him and wanted help from him– healing, teaching, advice, food, you name it! What does that remind you of?? Motherhood! Little people constantly needing you, and sometimes you just have to get away!
By 4pm, I had been alone with the teething, nap-fighting baby, for a while. Alan and Joshua returned from the store, and I got out of this house as quickly as I could. I knew I didn’t need to go spending any more money, so I just went for a nice, 2 mile stroll, and I basically prayed a “Jesus take the wheel” sort of prayer…..
So here’s my game plan for this week:
1. Trust God.
He gave me this. He can help me through this.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
2. No preschool.
We’re skipping that this week to see if it helps. Preschool days are the ones I dread the most because I spend the entire morning shuttling kids to and from school, making John David miss naps and become very, very CRANKY! See, he hates being strapped into his car seat, making those days super hard.
My sanity and John David’s comfort do still matter!
3. Chill.
I can only improve myself so much. There are still only so many hours in a day, and no one expects me to be Wonder Woman. My family would rather have happy mommy than super-accomplished mommy.
4. Schedule my work-outs.
Exercising helps me. It helps me lose the baby weight, have more energy, and just feel happier. This is something I just don’t need to skip. I can’t tell you how good it felt to be out jogging today.
That’s it. That’s my big plan. Four things. Surely I can do four things!!!!!
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1: 35
Quote of the week:
Caleb: Oops! I forgot to give Miss Russell her hug!
Me: Do you hug her everyday?
Caleb: No, but when I end on orange, I always hug her.
(….It is as though my first grader is trying to condition his teacher to give him good conduct grades…)
Quote from two weeks ago:
Caleb: *frowning deeply* I just ended up on blue…..
Me: Oh? What’d you end on blue for?
Caleb: Because, Mom, I just couldn’t hold my horses!!!!
baaaaaahahahaha!!!
Wishing you all a wonderful week–may even your Monday be great!!!!
“Jesus Take the Wheel” prayer – love it. We are praying for you all. Hang in there. Every day JD gets a little older, so hopefully that will make things a little easier. If you had 4 young boys and weren't feeling overwhelmed, then you would not be human!! Cute Caleb quotes. Love, Amy
Thank you, Jamie. You are too sweet. I'm happy to report that I've been doing a lot better today! Tylenol seems to be helping JD immensely!
Love the honesty in your post. Do not feel like you are alone. I have so had weeks – months – even seasons where I have struggled with finding the happiness amist all the chaos. I am sure a lot of it has to do with having a 4 month old. Hang in there sweet friend and call or text anytime. 🙂
You need to do what is best for you!! Good luck this week! I, too, need to relax a bit…