I've mopped the kitchen floors and while waiting for them to dry decided to post something that's been on my heart lately.

You've all heard the phrase "I have too much on my plate" haven't you? A close family member made that statement just yesterday, then added "There's so much to do and so much going on I don't know what to do!"

I pondered on that for awhile and then asked myself "If our plates are full, who put the stuff on them? Did we hand our plates over to others and let them pile on whatever they wanted to? Or did we throw caution to the wind and take on their issues, thinking we were helping them by doing so? And finally, did we ask our Father before adding anything to the plate we have?"

Most folks I know are well-meaning people. They possess a desire to be helpers in whatever way needed and that's not a bad thing. We are to help bear one anothers burdens, but do we take on more than we're supposed to? I do, and it's worn me down, physically, mentally and spiritually.

During our time in Georgia at Fred's Army Reunion, the "Colonel" made a statement about the value of the men who served under him. He said that without those men doing their part he and others in leadership could not have effectively done theirs.

One of the men who served under him then said "And this man taught us that we were there to do OUR jobs, not someone else's! He taught us that we all had responsibilities and duties and we were expected to fill them to the best of our ability. There was no room for slackers and they could not be tolerated because it could cost someone their life".

The Colonel then said "Had I tolerated a man who took on more than his job, what would I have been teaching the one who allowed that to happen? That he could get away with less than he was supposed to do? Yes, that and more. I would have taught him that his job wasn't really all that important after all and I could not and would not condone that in my men! They ALL had duties and they ALL were needed to meet them if our company was to serve to its highest purposes in Korea!"

His words have echoed in my heart since the evening of August 21. I hope I don't forget them because I think they have application to us as Christians. Indeed there are times when our brothers and sisters in Christ need our help and support ... but we must learn when to back away and allow the Lord of Life to teach them that they too have responsibilities in the Kingdom. They are here to glorify God just as much as any other Christian and those who are older and more mature can teach this when opportunity arises.

Part of my problem has been that I've sought to receive glory not give it. I've been a busy-bee for much of my life and sadly, a slacker in areas that are most needful to the Christian walk. May God give me the ability and grace to change.

Today I look at my 'plate' .... and the first item that must be put there is God's will for me today ... then I need to be careful what I allow to take up space next. I need to seek the Lord and ask for His direction in all I do this day. After all, it's not mine to waste, it's His, to be redeemed for His glory alone.

I leave you with a thought that came to me last Sunday in church ....

Do all that you do with no other motive than to glorify God and enjoy Him forever