Your Invitation

He who cannot rest, cannot work;

he who cannot let go, cannot hold on;

he who cannot find footing, cannot go forward.

– Harry Emerson Fosdick

Lately, I’ve felt maxed out. There are too many things to accomplish in my day and not enough day to accomplish them in. I’m sure you’ve been there. You’re cruising along, waving your, “Yes, I’ll do it,” sign to everyone who asks you. You put pressure on yourself to perform at 100%, nay 150%, NAY 200%, because that’s what you think everyone expects of you.

Some things cannot be canceled. You and your family still need to eat, you have to go to school and/or work, and the important people in your life still need time with you. But there are other things that can be cut out and no one will be terribly scarred in the aftermath. You don’t have to bake those brownies. You don’t have to attend every single girl’s or guy’s night out. You don’t have to teach Sunday school every week. Now, I hear ya. Everyone relies on you and your brownies, but let their mouths water and their tummies grumble this time. It’ll be okay.

Why would we refuse to help Betty with her last minute, urgent need to cut 1,597 yellow strips of construction paper for the preschool lion project? Because sometimes we need a rest. A break from the rush. We need to play Uno with friends, or see that inspiring movie, or just lounge in a park with a book. Don’t run around until you drop.

As someone who recently thinned out my schedule, I’d love to encourage you to look at your own to-do list and see which ones are your best yeses and which ones can go. Start small and knock off some of those lesser important ones. You won’t regret it. I’m a lot happier for having canceled several engagements, and now I can focus on the people who really need me and where my impact will be the greatest. Take steps now to get some juice back in the old battery so you can focus and accomplish what really matters. This is your invitation to rest.

What will you cut out today?

Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in our book drawing!