Last Updated on April 27, 2021
Lately my biggest issue is that I think I’m losing my mind. You might think that should be considered of paramount importance, but I think it was bound to happen–I have way too much going on in my life and my head. I’m surviving on adrenaline, strong tea, and the love of my children.
The other day I burst into tears and I couldn’t even tell you exactly why. If you had asked I would have wailed, “Everything!”
If I made a list it would take up the whole 500 words I have for this blog post. I’ll just give you the subheadings: Parenting issues, teenager issues, ex-husband issues, friend’s issues, health issues, house issues, car issues, family issues, financial issues, work issues, time issues, mistake issues, education issues, organizational issues, etc., etc.
The sad thing is when I shared my plight with two friends, they both asked, “Are you spending time with the Lord? Really?”
My answer, “Well, I write about that a lot! I look up verses all the time. I’m thinking about Him while I work!”
Hmm, yeah. That sounded lame to me too.
I’m so busy working for God, doing all the things I think I’m supposed to be doing, that I’ve completely shut out time with Him. I can’t remember the last time I really sat still, prayed, and pondered His word. I haven’t even written in my journal in months–too busy writing other things.
And in terms of time spent spiritually leading my children? I’m ashamed to say that it has been kicked aside for sports, activities, and homework. As they say, “good” truly is the enemy of “best.”
Wow, maybe that’s why I feel so scatterbrained and emotional? I think I’m carrying a burden alone I was meant to carry with Him. God hasn’t given me more than I can handle unless I try to do it without Him. And that is definitely what I’ve been doing.
There’s hope for my mental state after all! Maybe I can gain some semblance of sanity if I allow God to take over the to-dos. This calls for some serious prayer and time spent pondering His word. My kids and I are going to spend some time reading the Bible together. It’s time we all got our heads on straight.
My storms might not end any time soon and my list of issues might stay surprisingly long, but God is big enough to handle it all. And if I keep my focus on Him and my hand in His, we are going to be just fine.
Sue Birdseye is an author and communicator who shares the adventures she has on her unexpected journey of single parenting. She went from the typical “picket fence” kind of life to being a single mom to five beautiful children. She has learned what it means to be totally dependent upon the Lord and how beautiful that dependence is. Her change of life circumstances has led to a passionate desire to encourage and bless other moms no matter their life circumstances. She has been active in her community as a foster/adoptive mom and public school teacher. She has also been part of her church’s worship, discipleship, women’s, and children’s ministries. She is an avid book reader, a game night hoster, and an early morning writer. Her book “When Happily Ever After Shatters” is the story of how God stepped into her life and the lives of her children just when everything seemed to be falling apart. She hopes that her writing will encourage, bless, and maybe even make someone smile.
Sue, you are so correct. Sometimes I feel as though my issues have issues. But just this morning I was thinking the same thing. Am I spending time working for God and about God, but neglecting to spend time with God? It’s a difficult balance. The beauty is that we serve a God whose Grace is infinite. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Hugs.
Sue, wow! your entire article describes exactly how I feel, I feel the world closing in me, although I read a daily reading plan, I still feel something is missing, and it’s in fact that I am lacking true and sincere time with the Lord and not focusing on his given promises.
Thanks. I needed that today. My problem exactly. <3