Over the last couple of days, Jason and I have been talking about how we
can't do EVERYTHING. We get to this point every little while where we
realize that we're just TOO, too busy, and something has to go.
Jason is one of those people who can do a ton of things, and do them well,
and he gets charged up by being busy. Not me. I get overwhelmed in a
hurry. I have to have a bit slower schedule to stay sane.
I am reading a book that our Ladies' Brew Group is studying right now...it
is one that I read for a Sunday School class in Montana, and it has been good
for me to go back through it, and review...and God knew we'd need the lessons
I'm reading right now.
The book is Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, by Joanna Weaver, and
last night I was reading in chapter four, The Cure, where the author is talking
about remembering what Jesus said to Martha.
"Only one thing is needed."
- It is not necessary for me to take on the Team Mom position...there are 30+ other moms out there for my kids' teams....I am the only mom that God gave to my children.
- I do not HAVE TO be on the PTA/PTO for my children's schools...I am no less of a good parent for refusing.
- I have not been asked (by God) to take on any number of (good) causes...He expects me to do a good job of the ONE thing He gave me to do...raising my children.
I am very good at taking on things...and then getting very overwhelmed. I do not think things through very well. I need to be more thoughtful...."Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Give careful thought to your ways.'" (Haggai 1:5)
So, in keeping with that, the author has thoughtfully provided some steps to sorting through the myriad of activities that present themselves.
- Make a list of all the activities you are involved in (children, work, church, etc.)
- Pray over and prioritize the activities according to importance, assigning each one a number from one to four.
- Eliminate all of the "fours."
So, Jason and I are in the middle of working through those thing in our lives that are making us crazy...somehow, saying "NO" at this point seems SO hard...
I always learn how to say no the hard way. Something crazy happens and I can't possibly say yes. It is good you are learning to prioritize.
ReplyDeleteI loved that book. Good for you for learning to say no. Some times the good things keep us from doing the best thing that God has for us.
ReplyDeleteI believe no is one of the hardest things we moms/wives do, we want so much to be helpful and involved. Good for you, I'm anxious to hear how it's working. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteSaying no is a hard thing to do..I am just starting to know my limits. I like your idea of making a list and the last on the list automatically is a no - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNo is my new word for this year. I'm taking back my time. I'm going to do what I want to do - what I feel I am called to do. I will not be guilted into saying yes. Yah - I know - good luck with that!
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm giving up the PTO, the vestry, the crafter chair for our church festival, and I'm only going to volunteer where I want to volunteer. So if you need me, you can find me with the handbell groups and in the band room. That's it!
Good luck paring down!
xo
LBC
No is the hardest word for a busy mum especially one as nice as you who everybody seems to let volunteer for everything.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can pare down gracefully and still enjoy doing the things you want to involved in.