10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 ESV
7 Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.
Do not be preoccupied with an evildoer who succeeds in his way
when he carries out his schemes. Psalm 37:7 GWT
Recently I had the opportunity to talk to the Lord about my need to accomplish certain life goals … to “get things done” … before my self-imposed deadline. Yes, my determined deadline. Not GOD’s ~ mine.
And I say that my opportunity came as a notification from Him ~ circumstances came into play that availed me to the realization that I needed to have his one-to-One with Him. Honestly, it was my desire to clear the air and get a few things off my chest (and my to-do list). So, He blessed me and granted me the space and time.
If you know me, you’ll know that I have a very difficult time sitting still with nothing to do. I am literally always looking for what I can do in the moment (if I’m not already engaged in a project) to produce. It doesn’t have to be big or make the morning headlines. It just needs to be something that I can say was done.
When GOD revealed to me the need for me to slow my pace and make some changes, it was revelatory. Health issues manifested as a result of too much activity (internal and external) and frustration over the wonky results of certain major projects just seemed to scream: time to hit the brakes.
So, I did.
My pursuit led me to look for a book, I came across this one by Shauna Niequest. I couldn’t shake the title out of my view. In other words, every time I would look past it, I somehow kept returning to it. It literally drew me in.
And that’s when I knew ~ GOD was calling me to it.
I chose to get the audio version ~ which is totally unlike my usual habit. I’m a reader at ❤️ . I like to highlight in my Kindle books. But the choice to experience this book in the audio version I knew would be like sitting in the presence of a mentor who was trying to set my wagon straight. This performance~driven girl needed this information in this format.
So, I listened from start to finish. I will admit that listening to a book was a new experience for me, and I could not see myself just sitting. So, I listened while making an afghan for a friend and doing laundry. Please, don’t throw stones at me ~ I’m a long way from reducing my projects, but I’m on my way.
Shauna delivers when she transparently shares her quest for slowing down and making definitive changes in her lifestyle habits. She speaks to the incredible impact that her choices had on herself, her relationships, and her health. I could see myself in the parallel of her story. That goes to say that I’ve had similar ups and downs and all arounds. And perhaps you have too, Friend.
Being present ... I’ve struggled with this for a long time myself. Because my mind is generally caught up in the “got so much to do” cycle, that I tend to miss out on the nuances of what’s happening right in front of me. Those fine details don’t always come around a second time.
The perfectionistic tendencies in my personality … that’s all from childhood … and I know that some of you can relate (you’ve told me that). But that’s where we miss out, because we’re so busy making sure all the right things are done for all the right people in our lives that we don’t have the energy nor the time to be present in the moment. And unfortunately, that moment can multiply and turn into a season.
Sadly, we don’t always come to that eye-opening moment in time. Often, it’s not until tragedy or trauma has blown up in our faces, do we face the fact that change on our part is necessary.
Life doesn’t afford us a do-over. There is no dress rehearsal.
I have decidedly made a few habit changes, without making a big deal about it. That’s just how I operate ~ that way if (when) I fail, I won’t have nearly as many fingers pointed at me or judgmental comments hurled at me because no one will hold me accountable (since they won’t know how badly I missed the mark). Only GOD will know, and that’s all that matters to me.
If you’re someone who struggles with getting it all done at any cost, I urge you to get this book. Examine your reasons for why you are so driven. Let Holy Spirit guide you through your transformation and experience life at a slower and more meaningful pace.
You will be so glad you had someone speak truth into your space.
The people in your tribe will thank you.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
*Choosing to get some of my books on Libby makes it affordable. Libby is the free platform through your public library. All formats are available, print, kindle, and audio. All you need is a current library card. Reach out to your local library for details.
Titus Two 