Someone asked me the other day if I worked outside the home. Well, yes, I work outside the home. If you looked inside the home, you’d certainly know I do little if any work there. In fact, I personally feel it is my responsibility to assist my children in their education so if you drop by unannounced you might find any number of science experiments growing in various rooms of my house, particularly the bathrooms and kitchen. It’s not quite that bad, but some days I feel like I could live up to that description.
Before we had children, my husband and I agreed I would stay home with them and be a fulltime mom. So, when my son was born, I retired. However, whenever anyone would ask my husband if I was a stay-at-home mom, his reply was always “no.” He said I wasn’t a stay-at-home mom, because I never stayed home.
I jumped into all kinds of wonderful things like MOPS International, Bible study, play group, and volunteer work. You name it and I probably did it. Then all of the busyness started to wear on me. I realized I couldn’t do everything well. I was doing okay, but I wasn’t exceeding and making a big impact anywhere. And at times, I would feel worn out.
I began evaluating my time and spent time in prayer asking the Lord what HE had given me to do. If I was involved in something He didn’t call me to, I simply bowed out gracefully. By doing this, I realized I was not running in many different directions. I could be more intentional in the relationships I was building and focus on what God had given me to do. My stress level decreased and I became a much better wife, mom and friend.
I am blessed to be a part of an intercessors group made up of women with more wisdom in their little fingers than I have in my whole body. I love going because I know the Lord is going to use them to teach me something new. One of these ladies has a phrase she uses a lot to keep us on course and it has stuck with me. She says we need to make sure we are a “fitly shot arrow” staying on course for what we are called to do.
Since then, I have asked God what He has called me to do. Now, when things come my way, I can sift them through my calling and determine if I am to get involved or not. It takes the pressure off. When I have to say “no” to someone I can honestly say, “God has not called me to that work.” It is very freeing.
Colossians 2:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Now when someone asks me what I do, I tell them I work fulltime for Jesus on the deferred payment plan.
So, what are you doing? We are all give the same 24 hours in a day. Make sure you are using yours for the things God has called YOU to do.