I’m struggling and I don’t know where to begin to tell you exactly how or what variety of issues I’m facing. Thankfully, my marriage is not one of those issues at the moment. That said, please realize that we still have WAY far to go and have many messy moments that keep us humble and reminded of our human condition!

It’s just been a tough year for me. I’ve talked about my diagnosis of breast cancer last October, but that’s just one of a number of challenges I’ve had this year. And it’s almost like with each challenge that’s come along, other challenges are created due to the original challenge. Unfortunately, that’s not where it ends! As each new challenge gets added to that “ball of trouble,” it escalates in speed, like a huge snowball gathering force and power … and I’m the one at the bottom of the hill! Yikes!

I keep trying to do what needs to be done or addressed today, but it’s never really enough to catch up. I find myself procrastinating on certain tasks because I don’t have the emotional energy to deal with them and almost daily fight the pull to “waste time”—to lose myself in Pinterest, photo editing, shopping or anything that provides a temporary escape.

I’ve tried to figure out what things are causing this overloaded schedule or overwhelmed feeling, but I don’t think it’s even the amount of troubles—although that’s certainly a factor. I think it is Satan doing his best to discourage and distract me.

And more importantly, I think God is trying to get my attention in this overwhelming year! I think …

He’s training me to keep my eyes on Him, no matter what the circumstances look like or the feelings in the pit of my stomach feel like.

I don’t really fully know all that I’m going to change yet. I do know that I will be cutting back more here at Messy Marriage. I won’t be able to engage as much or read your blog posts as much. I will also be cutting back in areas of my church ministry. I’ve been cutting back on my responsibilities around my home, with a husband who supports me letting go of certain tasks to him and our sons. Thank God for that!

Additionally, there are ministries and things I feel God calling me to do, and times when I feel Him calling me to just be with Him.

And I can’t do it all and keep these callings God’s given me as my priority.

Something’s got to give!

I will be going with my husband in May to Peter and Geri Scazzero’s Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Conference in Queens, New York, with a week of vacation to follow. I really, really need this time of refreshing and being refueled! Please, pray for me in this!

If there’s anything you can take away from this, I hope it’s that sometimes life gets so busy or so challenging that … 

Maybe you have sacrificed “the best” in your life or marriage in an effort to do many good things. Perhaps it’s time to readjust your life and priorities there too. If you’re struggling in this way, please let me know and I’ll be sure to pray for you!

What challenges are you facing in your marriage? In your parenting? In your career, calling or profession?

 

How have you brought balance to your life in the past when it’s spiraled out of control?