Are We Doing Too Much?

In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren says, “People who don’t know their purpose try to do too much – and that causes stress, fatigue and conflict.  It’s impossible to do everything people want you to do.  You have just enough time to do God’s will.  If you can’t get it all done, it means you’re trying to do more than God intended for you to do.”

Now that the new school year is underway, it’s a good time to look at all we have signed-up for and ask ourselves if we are doing too much.

I know I have this problem.  I am constantly “doing”.  I have to really rein myself in to stop and focus on what God wants to say to me.  If I don’t, I start to have stress and so much fatigue that I can barely wake up in the morning.  I am beginning to learn that God asks us to do much less than what we think we should do!  And what He asks us to do is much more important, and eternally meaningful, than what we have on our to-do list.

How about you?  Why not look at your calendar and see if you are doing too much.  I do know that if we are too busy for the basics —  quiet time with the Lord; a healthy dinner on the table for your family; time for your husband, children, family, friends; a focus on keeping up with the household chores — then you are doing too much.

 Manna from Heaven

“So do not worry saying, ‘What shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or what shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:31- 34

Healthy Fit-Fact

We really do need to learn how to control our stress.  Over time, chronic stress can be very unhealthy.  “When you learn to manage your stress, you’re more likely to stay healthy and reduce your risks for heart disease or stroke,” says Jessica Payne, MA, Ph.D.

How?  Become aware of your stress, anxiety, or anger symptoms, such as a racing heart or feeling hot, sweaty, or flushed.  Slow your heart rate by slowing your breathing:  inhale for three slow seconds, hold it for three seconds, exhale all the way, and repeat.

And never forget to pray “without ceasing”.