Wednesday, August 7

When You're Overwhelmed By Tomorrow

You will never have this day with your children again.
Tomorrow they'll be a little older than they were today.
This day is a gift.
Just breathe, notice, study their faces and little feet.
Pay attention.
Relish the charms of the present.
Enjoy today, it will be over before you know it.
                                                                                                              ~ Author Unknown
 
 
 
 
 
I am trying. Really I am. To treasure these days.
 
The days home with my kids are so appreciated. Truly, I feel so blessed to get to be home with them. I get to see them grow day in, day out. I'm there when the light bulbs turn on in their minds, and I'm there to have those talks when the struggles boil over in their hearts.
 
But days with kids at home are still days with kids at home. And sometimes those days are Hard -with a capital H. You know what I'm talking about. Oftentimes we're just tired. We don't know how this is going to work.
 
We keep telling ourselves that today is just one day. We can begin again tomorrow. But what if the tomorrows seem eternal? And what if the thought of beginning again tomorrow seems like an enormous task, and not a peace-giving thought? 
 
I'm right there with you.
 
 
 
 
Just today I was feeling overwhelmed by the thought that after beginning kindergarten with my adorable new grade school student, I'll still have three more coming up behind her. And I felt defeated. Completely not cut out for the job.
 
But I quickly realized I was taking too big of a bite.
 
I took a bite, chewed on it a bit, then shoved in a whole 'nother bite I wasn't ready for. Thinking about the future and stressing over the days to come is equivalent to shoving too much food in your mouth. We're created for small morsels of food. One at a time.
 
Chewed up, ready to be digested. One day at a time. One bite at a time.
 
 
 
 
Can we make it through one tough day?
 
Sure we can.
 
Chances are you're familiar with this verse: "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)
 
It's one of my favorite Bible verses. For the woman who at times jumps right to her ADM (anxious default mode), this is a perfect reminder.
 
But have you ever stopped to notice what comes right before verse six and directly after?
 
The second half of verse five states: "The Lord is at hand;"
 
I REPEAT: The Lord is at hand!!! (aka: He's right there with you, He's got this in the bag, etc...)
 
So let's keep reading verse six again, then on to verse seven:
 
 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 
Let's make this really easy:
  1. The Lord is at hand. He's here. With you.
  2. Do not be anxious. No worrying or fretting.
  3. Pray and Thank God. Let him know your worries and be thankful.
  4. Peace will come. Such relief.
  5. You won't understand how you could possibly be peaceful.
  6. But that peace will guard your heart and your mind. In Christ Jesus.
Doesn't that make you want to place an order for some of that?
 
I've got some worries, I've got some things that are stewing, and I've got some things I keep hashing and re-hashing over and over again in my thoughts.  You too?
 
He's asking us to stop. And remember steps 1-6. Let's do today to the glory of God. Then start over again tomorrow, leaving our anxious hearts at the feet of Jesus.
 
 
Whatever will come our way
Through fire or pouring rain
We won't be shaken
No we won't be shaken
Whatever tomorrow brings
Together we'll rise and sing
That we won't be shaken
No we won't be shaken
 "We Won't Be Shaken" by Building 429




 
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4 comments on "When You're Overwhelmed By Tomorrow"
  1. Amanda, thank you for saying the words we moms often feel but do not share. Being home with little ones is so hard. Along these lines, how is the book "Desperate" by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson? Do you recommend it? Praying for you to find new mercies this morning when you start this day.

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    1. You're welcome, Rebekah. And I'm liking Desperate... I've got a ways to go to finish it - but I love the topic.

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  2. I'll be praying for you, Amanda. I cannot imagine how overwhelmed you must be feeling right now. I wish I could be there to help you out. Maybe when the younger ones start Kindergarten, enlist Drew and Gavin to help you with the schooling of Gabi, Levi, and Emmalie. Prayers going up for you.
    In Christ,
    Bethany

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