Out of a Funk

I have been a bit of a stress ball lately. I mentioned everything that I have going on in my last post over a week ago, and my to-do list has not gotten any smaller in the meantime. In fact, it probably has just gotten longer. Then I get in the bed and can't get my brain to "turn off," so I can't go to sleep and my mornings come way too early -- so I am also tired which makes for a very cranky Christie.

I keep thinking to myself "If I were just more organized, I would have a better handle on everything I have to do." Or "If there were just more hours in the day, I would be able to get more accomplished."

And then, the other morning when I was reading my Jesus Calling devotional, the Lord spoke directly to me. This is what He said:

April 11

This is the day that I have made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am Author of your circumstances. The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it.

To find Joy in this day, you must live within its boundaries. I knew what I was doing when I divided time into twenty-four-hour segments. I understand human frailty, and I know that you can bear the weight of only one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow or get stuck in the past. There is abundant Life in My Presence today.

And, of course, He is right. And, of course, He put that out there for me right when I needed it.

No, my to-do list hasn't gotten any smaller, but what would I do with extra time in my day? Honestly, I would probably fill it up with more things on my to-do list rather than spending abundant life in the presence of my Lord. I would spend more time being frazzled and stressed rather than peaceful and calm. I need to take a step back and be thankful for all of those things on my to-do list -- my family, my job, the house that we are building.

But, most importantly, I need to make sure to take time out of my day to be thankful for my Lord who stretched out His arms on the hard wood of the Cross to save me from my frazzled, stressed out self.