In “Other” Words…

by Lori

“One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy.”~ Elisabeth Elliott

Well it is ironic that I just wrote a devotional on this very subject, but I will not repeat myself you will have to read it at Laced With Grace next Monday. (but I will add to it ;)

Busyness is something I have struggled with and something the Lord has brought to my attention. Everything I have to do I consider important. It would not be on my list if it wasn’t. So where do I slow down? As much as my kids would love it, I can not tell the teachers “no we can not complete that project because we have other things to do at church.” Neither is eliminating my sons reading tutoring. Or cooking dinner each night, or making sure the laundry is caught up, grocery is bought, house picked up, etc… . Not to mention the busyness of the Holiday season. So where do I slow down Lord? How do you cut what is important?

The Lord stopped me in my tracks and showed me how to slow down. Much of it is attitude, but also I did not realize how burned out I was until I was sick over the Thanksgiving Holiday. The first thing the Lord had me do is sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep. I feel more refreshed than I have in awhile. Now he is showing me how to do what is important while not feeling so harried and hurried all the time. I am not totally there yet, it is a learning process, but in a strange way I am thankful I was sick and was stopped in my tracks before I burned myself out. Thank God he knows what I need even when I don’t.

Please visit To Motherhood And Beyond to read others take on this weeks quote.

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Tagged as: Elisabeth Elliott, In Other Words

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  • Such a beautiful way to trust in God, even when you don't remember that He is in control of everything - sickness included. I'm glad you're on the mend physically, but I'm even happier about the spiritual timeout that you've recognized and that you see it as a gift from God.
  • Yes, the Lord certainly has His ways of stilling us and showing us that He is God over all our details and needs. I struggle, too, separating the important from the leave to later on my list. I already feel like I only do 1/3 of my list, but it is too much. I keep reciting, everything is permissible for me but everything is not beneficial, and praying for the Lord to show me the difference. I'll pray for you, too!
  • Jen
    It *is* so hard to know what to cut...and yet you are so right that He *will* show us what is important if we listen. I'm just bad about not slowing down to listen all too often. God has really been working with me on this...so this quote was really timely.
  • God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. He knows us all to well doesnt He? Wonderful thoughts, thank you.

    Lisa
  • I will definitely have to read that post!

    This is something I ponder quite often. I too believe that absolutely everything on my 'to do list' is important. I wouldn't take the time to write things down if they weren't. I consider my time to precious to waste it... but am I wasting it?

    That is the question I ponder. So once again, I mope as I walk into my room, shut the door and pray. Sometimes I can take 'me' out of the equation. Sometimes, it is a bit hard to do.

    Great post!
  • I'm sorry you have been sick but so glad God was able to use it for good! I can't wait to read what you are writing!
  • God bless you as you continue to rest in Him and be refreshed...
  • What a great quote and I'll have to be sure not to miss your post at Laced With Grace.
  • Sometimes being sick can be a real gift - it gives us the freedom to rest, which we desperately need. I've had an eye infection the past couple of days and the only thing that felt good was closing my eyes and I think I needed to do that too. Glad you're on the mend and finding ways to keep life at a less hectic pace.
  • Thank you so much for your words and for contributing today! I've enjoyed it!
  • Bless you for sharing. I hate being sick, and find as a busy mom it is often the only way I allow God to stop me, slow me down and make me rest. I'd like to learn how to go slower without the speed bumps of illness. Glad you are feeling better.
  • Amen, sister. This is a struggle of mine as well. This is a great quote, and such timeless advice.
  • This speaks directly to me, right this very minute, Laurel.

    I'm always, always busy, as you know. But right now, after what happened with Mandy this morning, I've been slowed way down and feel like I'm dead in my tracks. I'm giving myself a break from the busyness, at least for a day or so. Life is just too short, as was made very clear to me this morning.
  • ahh. good good post. i can relate in so many fronts right now -- having come to nearly a complete stop as i battle the ugliness of morning - all day sickness. God is faithful to show me what really needs to get done and what i need to lay to the side for now.

    :)

    hope you are feeling better. sorry you couldn't connect with iris. but glad you were able to sleep enroute. shalom!
  • Laurel...that is what He does...Forces us to S~L~O~W down when we won't on our own! Thankfully, YOU listened this time!

    I too am a go, go, go kind of gal myself...and I am learning that I NEED to slow down~ sometimes...
    It's good to know that there is someone else out there learning too:):)
    peace and s~l~o~w steps,
    lori♥
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