After a whirlwind of spring sales and
keeping up with my other real job ( yeah, the one that actually supplies a
paycheck, but gets in the way of my hobby), I have felt things spiraling out of
control over the past couple of months. In the midst of the chaos, our house
was a mess, the barn was a mess, and in turn, I was a mess. I know God doesn't
get all of me in these seasons and it certainly affects my level of peace.
The last few weeks of school were spent
cleaning and organizing my classroom for next year. True confessions- I have
intended to do it every summer for the past 8 years and have either put it off,
or had some kind of crisis over the summer that kept me away. I think I may
have filled an entire dumpster with things that had been crammed into cabinets
by previous teachers, and then added on to by me. My teaching partner called them
"the scary closets." Now they are clean, organized, and I know not
only what I have, but where to find it!
Then it was time to tackle the house. With
the help of our youngest daughter who is home for the summer, we whipped it
into shape fairly quickly. The deck is
also cleaned, flowers planted in pots, and the lemon tree we neglected this
spring actually has a ton of blooms!
Next came the barn. My best half set up
some new storage for me and now all my supplies have a home and my work table
can actually be used for projects. It took the last little bit of energy I had to
make myself complete it, but what a difference it makes in my ability to work
in an organized environment!
Finally, I threw it in, stopped, and was treated
to an all by myself float in a friend's pool. Except for the sunburn, it was
just what I needed! It was so quiet as I
floated and prayed and felt His peace settle in. It's always there, but slowing
down long enough to recognize it is a challenge I struggle with continually.
Last week, part of our Bible Study
discussion at church centered on 1 Peter 4:7-
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded
and self-controlled so that you can pray.”
Our pastor reminded us that as the world seems
to be falling apart around us, it's not out of contol because it's completely in His hands. We can keep our focus on God, knowing He is the one in
control. But, how can I be focused and clear
minded when running in a million directions and spending so much time looking
for things that have been thrown in piles while I hurry through life?
I
recognize that is an outward sign of an inward mess.
I am trying to be more intentional this
summer in keeping life organized and getting that quiet time, whether it's
first thing in the morning or sitting on the deck in the afternoon. I do know that I need it just like I need
food and water and I am certainly not one to skip a meal! But skipping time
with my Creator happens way too often. He longs to spend time with me and that
is what draws me back, all the while, knowing He has been there waiting
patiently for me to burn myself out. As I crawl in His lap, I feel Him saying,
"There you are! I've been waiting for this time together. Just you and
Me!"
This morning, East Texas is blessed with a
rare cool temperature for June 1. I am sitting on the deck with the iPad and a
delicious cup of coffee, savoring the quiet and knowing everything's in its
place and there's a place for everything.
Thank you LORD for reminding me that it's
all a gift from you.
He makes Beautiful Things!
Yvette
