I typically try to have my blog live by 9am on Monday morning. This month has been challenging to say the least and I didn’t even get to write or post my blog the first three weeks of October. In fact, I didn’t realize I hadn’t even been writing them I was so busy! And now here we are on the last Monday of the month and my post is getting out late. Last week was the only one where I was on schedule.
I am not alone. As I have been working and living through the month of October, I have had numerous people talk to me about how stressed they are. They have shared their life struggles, and they are all overwhelmed. The demands on their time are significant and unsustainable. They aren’t able to get everything that needs their attention done. Can I hear an AMEN!!!
I remember when I was growing up my parents would have a month or two where it seemed like everything that could break, did. That is what it feels like right now. Everything that can go wrong, break, or fall apart is doing just that: going wrong, breaking, or falling apart. And while, like everyone else, I am dealing with the chaos, I could use a break from it too. I also can’t help but wonder what I need to learn through all the difficulties and busyness being thrown my way. Is it more patience? Probably. Is it learning to slow down? Also, probably. Maybe, I need to learn to enjoy the messiness life hands us sometimes and stop worrying about getting it all handled. Nah…that couldn’t be it! But then…maybe?
Here is what I do know: In the midst of the mess, I also have a great deal of hope. From my past, watching my parents, I remember these seasons do not last forever. I know that I will eventually get all the things fixed or replaced. I will work out the issues that need my attention and I will come to a place of peace.
I also remind myself of the following scripture verses when I get into these seasons. It is a favorite:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; at time to break down, and a time to build up; at time to week, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast a way; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – 8
If you are like me and find yourself in a time of chaos, know that a time of rest will follow. May God be with you in all your challenges in this season of life.
Peace,
Pastor Beth
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