Do you ever feel overcommitted? Overwhelmed? Often I struggle with these feelings. Being the detailed-oriented person that I am, I calculate the time it takes for each task, and realize there is no way I am going to get it all done. I become disappointed in myself, frustrated and irritable with my daughters. Then I feel guilty, it can be a vicious cycle. Sometimes, it even brings me to the brink of despair.
Commitment is a very admirable trait. It brings order out of chaos. It focuses one’s energies and structures one’s day. The question I have to ask myself, time and time again, commitment to what?
Am I using my time, talent, and treasure for the ultimate commitment?
As a Christian, that commitment is Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the Light. He shows me the way, he tells me the truth, and he shines the light into my pit of despair and chaos. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law, God’s commitment to us. Jesus came to save us from ourselves, from all the other commitments we place before our relationship with God.
For real commitment, I must accept Jesus in my life, and let go of control. I must surrender my day to Him, and let He lead me in what I do, think, and say.
“To love the Lord, our God with our whole heart, mind, strength, and soul; and to love our neighbor as one self.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
I know the Truth, yet I still struggle. We all do, we are humans. Yet, in this struggle, I have a choice.
Judas and Peter also struggled. Both disciples betrayed Jesus, Judas, for 30 pieces of silver, and Peter by denying Christ three times before the cock crowed. Judas let his feelings of despair and guilt overwhelm him. He hung himself. Peter, on the other hand, sought forgiveness in Jesus. He became the rock on which Christ built his Church.
Every day I too have a choice. Every night, I can reflect on the day and ask for repentance and reconciliation. Every morning, I can recommit myself. However, like Peter, I must realize that my commitment is only possible through the grace of God, a gift freely given.
Good Morning Jesus, my day is yours.
I have the same struggles. When I get stressed out, I hold my kids and tell them that I love them. It helps me to remain focused and it calms me down. Holding my children and spending a few quiet moments with them reminds me of my mission.....to bring them to God. It is my mission and my responsibility. I was afraid to home school because I thought I couldn't do it, but as time went on I felt God was leading me to it. I trusted Him and gave it a go. He has given me the grace to do it. I still struggle, but when I remember the reason, I become calm and focused. We can do anything with His help!!!
Posted by: Stephanie | 08/15/2011 at 12:10 PM
Great advice, Stephanie. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, my friend.
Posted by: Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith | 08/15/2011 at 12:39 PM
I get more calm out of a day that is less scheduled. I find a ridged schedule leaves me feeling too restrained and no movement for the whatifs that pop up in my day to day.
Posted by: kyooty | 08/15/2011 at 01:42 PM
Great thought provoking post. Thank you
Posted by: Sharon O | 08/15/2011 at 03:11 PM
I was just thinking about how much I have to do; I went to daily Mass today, thinking it would be short, and it was done 2 hours later. Totally worth it. God helps us re-focus our commitments; because if we can't even move our day around for Him, what else matters so much?
Posted by: Julie Robison | 08/15/2011 at 05:12 PM
I did a bible study last spring called "When Wallflowers Dance" and it really hit on this. I think you'd like it.
Posted by: Bridget | 08/15/2011 at 05:36 PM