Have you ever had a really long day that turns into a really long week that turns into a really long month…well, you get the idea. I’m in one of those stretches. Honestly, it’s not a ‘bad stretch’. I’ve had those, too, and know what they feel like. Busy doesn’t mean bad. But busy can pretty quickly mess up the balance.
My college suite-mate was a juggler. He had juggled for people in a lot of different situations, including the White House. He could do the whole thing of juggling a ball, some fruit, a chainsaw, fire, and maybe even a small puppy at the same time. What I never saw him do was juggle it all while on the treadmill or during an earthquake. Could he? Maybe. Would he choose to? Doubtful.
I guess that’s a little what life feels like right now – juggling in the danger zone. It’s such a strange thing because I feel blessed that the Lord is trusting me to juggle certain things but also stressed by the end of the day by how much of how many different things there are.
And I know what that really means – a checkup on my boundaries. My friend didn’t start by juggling chainsaws. I’m sure he started where everyone does with mastering three balls. You have to make sure the basics are set before you add in the rest. And you need to know when one more item will make you drop something important.
In this countdown to Christmas, that is where I’m at – a heart to make sure that I keep the foundation secure and don’t drop anything important. Starting with my incredible family.
“Rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18). I want to spend more time doing this.
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). I want to be better at encouraging my children, comforting them as needed, and urging them to experience even more of God’s awesomeness than I have!
There will always be my ‘to do’ list. It isn’t going anywhere, and I truly am grateful to be trusted with the people and tasks on it. But, I never want my family to feel like they are just another item on that list. They are so much more to me. Lord, I pray that I never forget it, especially on the days when I see one more chainsaw being tossed my way.