Life In The Fast Lane

I’ve never been one to enjoy the thrill of a fast moving car. I’ve had the occasion to find myself in one a time or two. Buckled up tightly, I hung on for dear life as I was tossed to and fro, whipping around turns as the outside world passed me by in a blur. I am older and wiser now and would never choose to be in a fast moving vehicle. But my life can feel like one at times, as I am whipped to and fro, backwards and forward, taking sharp turns and enduring sudden starts and stops. On those days, life passes me by and I wonder where the day went.

As women, we wear many hats. We are wives, moms, friends, sisters, daughters and so much more. We have become professional jugglers, as we hold a baby on our hip, while talking on the phone, cooking dinner, and helping the older child with algebra homework, all at the same time. We jump out of bed as soon as the alarm goes off in the morning, and stumble into bed in the late evening after finally finishing the last load of laundry and returning emails. It’s hard not to get overwhelmed at times. But if we look too hard at our “to do” list, we just might find ourselves saying, “Please, stop the world. I want to get off!”

Although life may be fast paced, I don’t want to live in the fast lane, strapped in tight and hanging on for dear life. In reality, there are things I need to accomplish every day and people that require my time and attention. But God never intended for me to run around feeling frazzled, stressed and overwhelmed. Rather, He desires that I remain in a place of peace and rest, even when my plate is full. Most days, I am just skimming the surface of my “to do” list. There never seems to be enough time to accomplish it all. I could manage my time better, sure. I could also ask the Lord what it is He has called me to do before I even begin my day. And, I could embrace the fact that life is not about perfection and getting it all done. It’s okay to move the car over into the slow lane.

On days when I feel overwhelmed, I stop and ask the Lord to help me to reevaluate what it is I am doing. Here are a few questions I like to ask:

1. Lord, have you called me to this task?
2. Am I trying to function in my own strength?
3. If you have called me to this, will you give me the strength I need to complete it?
4. Who can I ask for help? (Delegate!!)
5. Have I stepped out of Your will and taken on something that is not what you intended?
6. Are you asking me to surrender something on my list back to you?

I am the queen of “I need to do it ALLf”. Call me a control freak. I admit that I have an issue with asking others for help and before I know it I am screaming that I am running away! Life in the fast lane has suddenly come to an abrupt halt. I become emotional and irrational and often times lash out at those closest to me, running with the motto, “If momma ain’t happy, nobody’s happy”. A burned out, stressed out and frazzled mom is no good to her family, friends or co-workers.

There will be days when our plates are full. But God promises that He will carry the load. And He promises to give us peace and rest when we surrender our day to Him.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)