Frazzled Moms Devotions-To-Go

    Come to Me , all you who labor and are heavy laden, and

I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn

 from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will

find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My

 burden is light.

Matthew 11:25-30

Multitasking is a women's ability that I love to brag about. Though sometimes, I believe we tend to go overboard. Naturally, we take on the load of being a mother, wife, housekeeper, and chef. Then we bring in the extras: soccer mom, den mother, Sunday school teacher, and women's ministry. We find ourselves exhausted and stressed. 

Sound like anyone you know?

     I teach organization and time management and pride myself in having these tools, but there was a time that I was out of control - I didn't know how to say 'no'. Not only was I a wife and mommy of two small boys, but I also was going back to school, running my own business, teaching Mission Friends, and singing in the choir. It seemed that since others saw, (or thought they saw), me take all my hats and juggle them without tripping over my own feet that I was able to throw in another hat.

    Being the good Christian woman I thought I was, I would effortlessly say, "Of course. No problem." Then I would be on my busy way to the next service I had committed to. This, I found out, only lasts for so long. Sooner or later you do trip and all the hats will tumble down fighting over which one will fit on your head best.

    One busy Saturday I got a call from the Preschool Director that she needed someone to fill in for an ailing Sunday school teacher. It just so happened that I already was helping with the New Members Seminar and was in choir that morning. I had to say no. (Finally a legit reason.)

    I noticed that it felt good to say no - like a ten-ton brick fell off my shoulders. After I hung up I said to the Lord, "Why can't I say "no" more often? That felt great!"

    I could almost feel God put His hand on my shoulder and say, "You can." He brought thoughts of my different services and callings and showed me that some bring joy and some bring angst. I needed to carry out what brings Him edification and delight. I should pursue what He CALLS me to do.

   From then on I evaluated the services available to me and placed them at God's feet. He gave me rest when I needed. I had energy for the ministries He called me to do and I could say 'no' to the ones He didn't.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep my heart and ears open for Your whispers. Teach me to know the difference between a calling and volunteering. Most of all, may I edify and glorify  you in all that I do, Lord. Amen   

    Sit down and list all the projects you "volunteer" for. Pray over them. Pray for wisdom. Ask Him to show you what it is that He is CALLING you to do. A hint for deciding what ministries are your calling versus what you are volunteering is that when you find yourself exhausted and not thrilled to be doing a particular service then most likely you are only being a volunteer. A calling frequently has you feeling energized and you are tickled to be doing it.

    Be brave and say, 'no'. Do only what God calls you to do.