Falling Down

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23&24

Have you ever felt the the water rising above your chin?

'They' say that drowning is a relatively calm way to die but I doubt 'they' ever talked to drowning victims. I am anything BUT calm these days as I feel pulled in multiple directions. The laundry is behind, the dirty dishes seem to procreate on my kitchen counter, we're procrastinating in school, the house is not meeting my standards for organization, Duck is pushing my patience buttons because she wants my attention, the dog is driving me nuts because he hasn't had a good run in days...

How did this happen?! I have a flexible schedule and I see myself as pretty responsible for completing the duties I lay out for myself.

But then...there was our extended vacation - fantastic time, but more time than I expected.

And then...there was the Ladies' Lunch & Study at church - I really enjoy putting together the bible study for the month, but did spend a little extra time creating a new format.

And then...there is the adult's conference coming up - I really enjoy helping my hubby get his presentation in order, but I also had to schedule my nursing shifts close together to get the time off for that trip.

And then...my pastor requested some new labels for the singing team's CD - I am happy to help my computer illiterate leader, but I also had to run to the store when I realized I was out of paper before I could even begin making the labels.

And then...and then...and then. There always seems to be something to pull me away from my home base.

How does it happen? How do I fall behind on everything? Very easily, actually. All the things mentioned above have value in their accomplishment. However, when I am staying up until 2 a.m. each night and getting up at 8 a.m. to start all over again (and when I start getting crabby with my husband and daughter because I am lacking in sleep and feeling rushed) then it's time to re-evaluate.

And, I did just that.

I took to heart the blessing on the night I came home from work and my lovable husband and Duck had already cleaned my kitchen for me.

I took to heart the blessing that there is enough food in my house I can make good meals in a short time.

I took to heart the blessing of having enough clothes in our closet that being a little behind in laundry doesn't really effect our days.

I took to heart the blessing of leaving the math book closed while Duck and I had fun cleaning the house together.

I took to heart the blessing that God is showing Himself to me through verses like the one above.

Just when I feel the water rise above my chin, He graciously lifts me higher and lets me breathe. As He lifts me, I can see my priorities better and get them in line. Slowly, each day the water is beginning to recede.

This new week gives me four days at home before our conference and those fours days are a tremendous blessing of fresh air. When I give my time to Him and I am never disappointed. When I feel myself fall down, I know the Lord is right there to lift me up. I never want to live any other way.