Hi Friends, I'm a bit under the weather ... lung issues / congestion, etc. I stayed home from church yesterday and felt badly because I had to call my co-teacher on Saturday to tell her I most likely wouldn't be there. She seemed to understand, even though I woke her up that morning! I just assumed everyone in this part of the world is up and at 'em by 10am on Saturday morning ... not so ... and, as my Fred keeps reminding me "Don't assume anything". She's up very early 6 mornings out of 7 so she deserves a chance to sleep late when she can. Years ago I could do that ... sleep late that is. I wonder what happened to change it?
I am in a time of life that I'm not sure just what's going on ... anyone else out there feel like that? I'm wondering if I should stop teaching children ... I feel badly because I miss so much due to health issues and don't feel it's fair to the kids. My co-teacher assures me she's grateful for whatever time I can give but how do you know if and when it's time to leave an area of ministry? There are times I feel overwhelmed in preparing for class and that only adds to the stress this body already deals with.
I'm also convinced that the less I have in this house to clean the better I'll feel about it and about me. So, the past week I've been sorting and throwing away and have a give-away bag ready for Purple Heart this week. I read a book last week about clutter & cleaning and the author said we not only have it in our physical areas, we can clutter our brains too. I want that to get a good cleaning out also. What do I spend my time thinking about? Good and honorable things as Scripture says? Or things of this world that aren't in my power to change? Far too often it's the second and that needs to change. I must let go of what isn't mine to worry about (which is just about everything) and pray and trust the good Lord to handle all of it.
I suppose I'm just facing the fact I only have so many hours and days left on this earth and I want them to be ones that glorify the Lord. I don't want to be bogged down with taking care of 'stuff' vs. helping people. I don't want to mentally carry around all the baggage the world throws at us either. I can't change Pres. Obama, but I am obligated to pray for him and there are times I don't even want to do that! All the more reason to pray though.
I spent yesterday resting ... and it felt so good not to have to 'do' anything, not even cook. We ordered food and my dear husband picked it up.
Thanks for listening to my babbling today ... I appreciate you all.
Blessings
i hope the day has refreshed you ... i know what you mean about clutter ... especially in my brain! if my mind is focused on the Lord, then the battle is already won ...
ReplyDeleteblessings on you - and thank you for your sweet comment on my blog ...
I struggled with the same decision about not teaching Sunday school any longer. There is a time and season for every purpose. As we age, we tend to have less on our plate due to physical and family needs. I remember in my thirties and forties staying up late at night preparing SS lessons ... sewing until 3 AM .. taking care of Nathan 24/7. ... and having the energy to do it all. I just don't push myself as hard any more and have come to accept it that it's ok and natural to have a lighter 'plate' ...
ReplyDeleteI do hope you are feeling better soon Louise.
Weezy...I am sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well and pray you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteOn the issue of teaching...if you are feeling overwhelmed and it's causing stress to your body. I think, that it would probably do you well, to not have the responsibility weighing on you. And please feel no guilt...when God closes one door He opens another!
Rest, dear friend.
I love you,
trish
Since we're the same age, I know how you are feeling, and since I too have been struggleing to regain my health and have more times down then up, I also understand that too. It's a real transistional time of life isn't it? Sometimes, I have to admit, I feel quite sad at the realization that the energy and health is no longer what it was. I still haven't "embraced" that part of aging yet!
ReplyDeleteListen to your body and heart. Sometimes what it is saying is, rest and let another take over that they may also grow in the Lord.
To everything there is a season...a good reminder for me too.
Love you Louise!
I hope that you are feeling much better, Louise.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding that I cannot keep up with everything I used to do anymore either. When I try to, I just feel as if I am spread too thin and cannot do anything well. You are not alone in this, even though you do have extra reasons to protect your health.