My husband says that I could manage to stress myself out by running a lemonade stand! Whenever he throws around that line, I am usually annoyed because…he’s right!
When I was a teacher, even after a couple years of experience in the classroom, my car was always the last one to leave the school parking lot each night. Many nights have been spent preparing, anticipating, completing and, yes, worrying.
I’m not sure why, but I have a terrific knack for allowing small things in my life to become big things. They expand until I start to feel stress. Not to belittle what I do, but the life of a a stay-at-home-mom (with one child) should not be stressful. But sometimes projects like cleaning our garage, finding a dentist, ordering new contacts or cleaning out our new nursery take on greater weight than they should.
Until…I read something a few nights ago that has really helped to put things into perspective. It is helping me to keep the little things just that: little.
In Donald Miller’s book “Blue Like Jazz” he describes this man who runs a bed and breakfast for people who are in San Francisco for ministry work. Miller talks about the man who runs the b and b is often cooking and cleaning for an audience of people. He noticed that many guests did not wash their plates after a meal and few actually thanked the man for his cooking.
Struck by his patience and goodwill, Miller asked him how he kept such a good attitude with so many people abusing his kindness. The man responded, “Don, if we are not willing to wake up in the morning and die to ourselves, perhaps we should ask ourselves whether or not we are really following Jesus.”
While reading that last line, it was as if the needle was pulled across the record. Then the chatter in my mind became quiet.
I desperately need to force myself out of the center of the universe (oh goodness!), and allow God to guide me. If can die to myself and live with a heart of service, God will help me to manage the areas in my life that cause stress and heart ache.
Have you experienced something like this? Read a book or story that inspired you to step aside and allow God to take the steering wheel? I’d love to hear about it!
© 2010, Amy. All rights reserved.
{ 3 comments }
Oh boy, do I get that! It’s been awhile since I’ve read Blue Like Jazz…I loved it! Having a true servants heart is not something that comes natural to me. I like to be noticed, but unfortunately I associate being noticed with being loved. You’ve stirred my heart, Amy.
Thanks so much for your comment. I didn’t feel like I communicated this experience well enough, but I tried:) Having a servant’s heart is difficult for me too. Growing up with three other siblings, I always wanted everything to be fair. I don’t think God wants us to be very good accountants:) Thanks for your comment.
I can’t wait to go out and get the book now. It sounds like a read that is coming just in time for me…how easy it is to forget…forget why we are really here…and the purpose….
May today be a good one for you!
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