Skip to main content

Down to the Wire

Admittedly, I take on too much. I am notorious for feeling the need to meet others’ needs and burning the candle at both ends. This results in my feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to perform any of my tasks well. Such has been my life for the past three weeks. Between the expected chaos and unexpected storms, I have not allowed myself enough margin to just breathe. Hence, the delay in this post.

Don’t get me wrong. The things that have consumed me over these past days have been valid and important. I’m doing things that I enjoy. There are things that had to be done because they are the right things to do. I don’t regret any of it. And now, I’ve done all I can do.

Typically when I arrive at this point, I am emotionally, mentally, and physically spent. There is nothing left to give. So, friend, I ask your forgiveness as I take a moment to allow God to restore me. I need Him to renew my mind and strength. Because I know myself well enough to know that I can’t keep pouring out of an empty vessel. 

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” Isaiah‬ ‭40:29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you, like me, say yes to everything, give yourself margin. Take time to pause and breathe. Wait on God to refresh you before you keep pushing yourself down to the wire. I’m praying for you today.


© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Feelings and Faith

Vulnerable moment: it’s been a crazy week. If I’m being honest, the last six months or more have been wrought with uncertainty and so many questions within myself about my purpose.  I’ve been in a season of transition in our family with adapting to having an independent adult child and an independent teenage son-both of whom are thriving. So my purpose as a mom has shifted into steadfast support and guidance from a distance rather than rushing to the rescue, which I know is where we should be with them. This shift has adjusted our marriage. Lyndon and I are both learning how to navigate this new territory, and I’m so grateful we have each other.  My Daddy died suddenly last year, and I am still grieving the unexpected loss and what could have been. Grief is a strange journey and differs for everyone. What I know is Christ gives me the most profound peace when I feel my turbulent heart trying to sway me. But it certainly is a sadness that is layered. Because of these major life...

He’s Already Heard My Prayer

This is one of the most difficult pieces to write. My dad, Steve, passed away this morning unexpectedly. He was the “Music Man” in my world who made life a song.  Daddy was responsible for putting me on the stage. At two years old, he stood me on the altar at church so everyone could watch me sing “Victory in Jesus.”   At twelve, he was teaching me how to set up equipment and mix sound. As a teenager, we wrote songs together. His love of music is so deeply ingrained in me that I feel a piece of that is somehow missing now. Things were not always great between me and Daddy. In fact, we went for a long time without having contact with one another. I’m so grateful that God restored our relationship in his final years. Neither one of us were perfect in our relationship, but I always loved him deeply. So today, I’m heartbroken. Memories are flooding my mind, and there are so many things I still wanted us to share. I know the coming days will be filled with waves of grief and the st...

Five Favorite Things

  With Valentine's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the "stuff" that I really like. Flowers are great, and jewelry is nice. But if you want a friend gift or something a little more unique, here are a few ideas. Perhaps this post will help you shop for the perfect gift that will become a "favorite thing." For the Music Lover If you are purchasing for a musician or vocalist, you have a ton of options including a guitar pick necklace or keyring to tickets for a concert. Even vintage gifts like records have made a strong comeback in the music community. Things to consider when purchasing for your musical genius: what is their favorite genre? Who is their favorite artist? Before buying that album, make sure they don't already have it. For the Teacher I can tell you most assuredly what many teachers DON'T need: another mug. Even though this seems like a simple, cute gift, as a teacher, I have difficulty parting with any gift from students. I have ...