Almost every morning before I start my day, I make my way to this little park. Very seldom do I see anyone else there. It seems that everyone else is too busy running here and there to stop to admire God’s beautiful creation. (For me, I start my mornings off with God first doing my bible study and listening to worship music. Then on my way to where ever I may be going I soak in my surroundings, such as the beautiful mountains, sunrises and sunsets - knowing that God created this for us to enjoy)
It was quiet at the little pond that morning. The water was still. The leaves on the trees were not shivering like usual. The silence was broken by the ringing of my cellular phone. The noise startled me. I jumped and grabbed the telephone wondering who would be calling me that early.
“Hi, Mama,” my son, Chad, said. “What are you doing?” “I’m sitting at a little pond across town,” I answered. “You’re doing what?” he inquired.
“I’m spending some quiet time at this perfect little place,” I explained. “I come here almost every morning. It helps me get my day started on the right track.”
“You’re sitting at a pond communing with nature, while I’m stuck in Atlanta traffic,” Chad laughed. “It must be nice.”
“It is very nice,” I admitted. “You should try it some time.” Chad and I talked until the traffic resumed on his end. We offered our loving farewells and hung up.
My mind took me to a place where I had lived several years earlier. I was one of those people living every minute of each day in a rat race. I didn’t take the time to commune with nature, spend quiet time with God, or take the time to get in touch with my feelings. I thought I was happy driving in the fast lane of life. (Life is too short to be living in the fast lane)
When I think back I realize that I had been afraid of being alone. I could put on a good show before everyone else, but if I got quiet I was forced to be honest with myself. I wasn’t doing the things that I knew deep in my heart I was supposed to be doing. God had called me to minister to others through writing and public speaking, but I had ignored His call. I justified my actions by telling myself that I had to make a living. I was exactly like everybody else in the world – struggling to make ends meet, while not considering the real reason for my existence. (Oh how I know this too well. I now know that God has a plan for me and I am so ready to walk it out)
I was afraid to slow down. If I miss a day at work, I will get too far behind, I reasoned. Therefore, I worked even when I was sick. (God does not intend for us to work ourselves to illness nor through it. We are to take care of our bodies) I pushed myself to the limit so many times. I wondered who I was trying to impress. Was it my boss or coworkers? (The only person that we need to worry about is our father and not others. Of course we are to give our all to work but not drive ourselves to illness because then we are useless to our employer) I decided that it was probably me that I was trying to impress. I had to feel worthy. I wanted to feel like a dedicated and hard-working employee. But in the meantime, I denied myself the privilege of really living my life to its fullest.
I took a few more minutes to pray. A few birds landed in the tree beside me. I smiled as I listened to the songs they were singing. A squirrel scampered by, but not without stopping to gaze at me. I glanced at my watch and knew that my quiet time was over. It was time to start my day.
I stood before a group of ladies at a speaking engagement. “Today is the first day of the rest of your lives,” I announced. “Where will you go from here?” I shared the story about the pond, my son’s remark, and the emotions I felt that morning while communing with nature and God.
I encouraged the ladies to slow down, serve God each and everyday, and to take some time to pray. The meeting concluded about an hour later, and I returned to my car. I felt good. I was no longer afraid to leave my comfort zone for God’s sake. I was thankful that I gave up the fast lane of life. I was excited to be doing the things that God created me to do. (Wow, how powerful is that. If we do not move out of the fast lane, our life can go by us without knowing all that God intended for us to do. Everyday is a gift from God and I want to glorify him living the life that he has intended for me to live. What about you?)
I drove back to the pond before I returned home from my engagement. The wind had picked up. I watched as the ripples in the once still water traveled to the shore. I realized that the words I share at my speaking engagements can be compared to the ripples in the water. By spreading the good news to others, they can find the peace and joy that only God and nature can give.
Nancy B. Gibbs
Life Lesson #2: Reorient Your Life
Stop and consider for a moment what would happen if you took the next available exit on the freeway of your life, pulled onto a quiet country lane, slowed down and reflected. What would happen if you asked yourself, Am I doing too much? Am I doing enough? Am I living the life I want to live? As you ponder these questions you may discover that you want to make some changes. You may find that you need to reassess your priorities based on what you’ve determined is most meaningful in your life. You may decide that you need more balance, more time for yourself. You may realize that you have to take greater charge of where you invest your time and energy.
In the last section, you clarified your priorities. Now it’s time to think about reorienting your life to reflect what’s most important to you now. But remember, your priorities are not written in stone. They need to be adaptable and to change as you do.
If you’re like most people, you probably spend most of your time trying to keep up with your “to do” list before you allow yourself to get to the good stuff. All too often, you put your own needs on the “when I have time” list rather than on your “to do” list. These kinds of choices are taking you away from the life you desire.
Rather then saying, “I don’t have time to exercise or play with my kids or take a piano lesson,” take responsibility for your decisions. Say, “I could do what I want if I tried this a different way,” or “Why is this my top priority?” How you spend your time is your choice. It’s all too easy to blame other people, but when you take full responsibility for your time, you have the power to make changes. You do have time for what’s important.
Basic Tool: Priorities List
Make a list of the five things you most want in your life in order of importance. For example, your priorities might be:
1. Exercising
2. Spending time with your children
3. Getting your finances in shape
4. Your spiritual life
5. Friends
Next to each activity, list the amount of time you currently devote to that item in the course of a typical week. How does your present life match the life you want to be living? Are there any adjustments that need to be made?
Now that you know what’s important to you, use this information as a guide when making choices. Before you agree to something, ask yourself, is this in alignment with my priorities? Will this activity of commitment enhance my life or detract from creating the life I want?
Life Lessons for Women ~ 7 Essential Ingredients for a Balance Life
By: Stephanie Marston, M.F.T
Have a wonderful and bless week my friends
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