Putting it in perspective (with a little help)

While jumping from blog to blog (I think the correct term is "blurking") I was encouraged (thanks to Heather) to check out Stephanie Teslaa's (of Miracles Photography) http://miraclesphotography.com/ recent blog post on being overwhelmed with our busy days. She began her post referencing a book she recommends, "Time Out - A quiet-time devotional for busy moms" by Leigh Ann Thomas. Inside she found a chapter on *overwhelmed* which I so needed to be reminded of on a daily basis! I had a rough day with my boys Monday and this just put it all into perspective for me :) Even if you aren't a mom reading this hopefully you can all find some comfort in this passage..................
Psalm 18:32 "It is God who arms me with strength and make my way perfect."
It has happened countless times. I awake with a yawn, a stretch, and a smile. I roll over and hug my pillow, burying my face in its softness. As I relish those last few moments in the covers' warmth, my thoughts turn sleepily to the day ahead. I enjoy several seconds of cheerful anticipation... before it happens.
My brain immediately shifts into overdrive as the weight and burdens of the day's responsibilities settle on me. Resentment seeps in as I think of all the activities competing for my time. Housework beckons. Children demand. Deadlines loom. Promises must be kept. Appointments must be met. Potential joy is shattered as I yield to selfishness. I greet the new day with a grumble in my heart and a discontented frown on my face.
The day then proceeds pretty much as expected. The housework seems endless and the children are unusually demanding. The entire morning seems to be spent taking one step forward and two giant leaps backward. Stubbornly I question, "What in the world went wrong?"
And every time I face the question honestly, I immediately realize that I took the wrong path hours ago. Right after I savor that first morning stretch, my waking thoughts have a choice to make. And the path I too often take is self's. I choose to go my own way - and I end up stumbling around, tripping over worldly thoughts and attitudes. My sense of perspective disappears as I look at life through my eyes.
What's missing is God's way: His thoughts, His eyes. Without fail, when I neglect to give each day's burdens to Him, I inevitably carry them around myself. And the results can be disastrous, including not only the loss of my joy, but the loss of my fellowship with Him and with others.
Of course housework will still beckon and children will still demand, but when the day is given to the Lord, selfish thoughts can be replaced with the joy of servanthood.
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19
May we never lose sight of our purpose on this earth! Our God is an awesome God!