Overwhelmed

I’m an everyday mama who wrote a book.

When I signed on with the publisher, I was excited—I still am!—to see what God might do through our story. However, not being a professional writer, I did not see everything that was coming. These days, when you write a book, it’s helpful to be an active social media person as well. This can be a good thing, but don’t forget: I’m an everyday mama, not a social media expert.

So came the launch of Together Growing Appetites for God, and with that came a blog and website, Facebook and Twitter, and a number of interviews. This, too, is all good . . . very good. But remember, I’m an everyday mama. I have a huge learning curve and a voice that is more suited for the minivan than for radio.

As a result, I’ve been more anxious and distracted in the last few weeks, concerned about meeting the needs of my family, and saying and doing the right things regarding the book. I’m trying to figure out how to be a wife and mom and keep laundry going . . . and do interviews, blog posts, Facebook updates, and tweets. I wonder if I’m doing any of it well, and when I’m doing one thing my mind is often shifting to another.

You may be thinking of all the things on your to-do list even as you’re reading this blog. I’m certain you have pressures and demands of your own.

I recently read several blog posts written by moms of children with special needs. There is amazing and obvious joy in these moms, but also physical and emotional stress. I have several friends who are newly-married to husbands pursuing post-graduate studies. They are trying to juggle work, making a home, study time, and wondering what the future holds with graduation on the horizon. I know a few single moms trying to work to pay the bills, keep the home, and be the only parent.

There are several women at my church right now in various stages of pregnancy, and while they look beautiful, sometimes you can just see “tired” written on their faces. I have another friend who is transitioning from one job to another. She’s currently doing both jobs and feeling like she’s spread too thin.

We can all feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. Even when the things we are facing are good things, we can get anxious.

A few days ago, just as I was starting to get all revved up inside over my long to-do list (and a few other things), my kids and I sat down and read this:

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Then I read:

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12, emphasis mine).

Then suddenly it came to my attention . . .

I’m not in control, but the One who is in control cares for me.

He has not forgotten me. He knows.

He knows the number of hairs on my head. Have faith.

He knows me. He knows my needs. And He cares for me!

You may be asking “How can I keep up?” “How are we going to make it?” “How can I possibly do this?” Or you may just be saying, “I’m tired!”
Take a moment to read Luke 12. (I may have to read it again tomorrow.) And remember . . . He knows your needs and He cares for you.