There are moments for everyone, when it all just gets to be a bit too much. Whether you’re a student, a high-flying singleton, a happily married or super parent, some days it feels like all the ‘things’ you have going on in your life are threatening to fall down around your ears. It’s not a fun feeling but we’ve all been there. So what do you do when you can’t see your way through the chaos of life?
Can’t see the wood for the trees
Any woman (and probably most men if they’re honest) have at one time or another stood in front of a wardrobe full of clothes and uttered the immortal words “I have nothing to wear”. Chances are that the main cause of this hopeless statement was not so much a lack of clothing but more than likely an excess of clutter. A cupboard full of clothes where you can’t see what’s going on is a scary thing. If you’re anything like me, if you’re faced with too many options or too many things to sort through it can be hard to make a decision and move on.
Keep it simple
At times when it feels like the world is throwing everything at you, including the kitchen sink, the best thing to do is find some simplicity. Take a step back. Cut out all the clutter until you can see what’s really going on. Not everything in your life needs to be achieved immediately. If something can wait or be delayed put it on the back burner until you have the capacity to see to it. If someone else can take a task off your hands to give you a break, let them! Once you’ve sorted through the things vying for your time and energy, you should get a clearer picture of exactly what needs to done. Then you can decide what to give your attention to.
True north
When I start feeling a little less than capable of managing the sheer magnitude of life it tends to mean I’ve forgotten the important things. When it all feels too big, I’ve probably lost sight of those things in my life that keep me moving forward and guide me towards being the person I should be and the life I want to live. For me those important things are:
My family – the people who I love the most need me to be the best me I can be but love me when I’m not that great. There are people in your life who love and need you, but they still know how to cope when you’re having a bad day.
My purpose – I truly hope that when I leave this life I have somehow contributed to making the world a better place than it was when I arrived. You were born for a reason, find out what it is, embrace and keep at it.
My joy – My grandfather gave me a picture frame many years ago with a simple bible verse in it. The verse was simply this:
“Delight yourself in the Lord”
When the weight of the world is on my shoulders I need to remember to look for joy that comes from knowing Jesus. It’s the knowledge that I have a God who cares for me and that nothing I face can steal that away.
If you would like to know more about the joy and peace that can be found in the midst of difficult times, please click the link below.