A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place

     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