And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. ~Galatians 6:9 

Hi friends,

I have been sick for the past week. It was a doozy: a full flu complete with aching muscles, throbbing head, incessive coughing, and high fevers. Yuck. I finally took my husband’s advice and went to Urgent Care because I could barely catch a breath between the coughing episodes. With proper medications, I am feeling better this morning (Thank you, Lord). This is the third time this season that I have caught a nasty, lingering sickness. It’s horrible, and it makes me even more exhausted from my normal levels of exhaustion.

As I meditated on the Lord this morning, I had an honest moment with Him: “I’m just so tired.” But even as I said the words, I could feel the Holy Spirit encouraging me. “This too shall pass,” He whispered. “Lean on me. For in your weakness, I am strong.”

It hasn’t escaped my notice that I’ve been extremely busy. I’ve always been the person who has to have something to do, but my proverbial plate is overly full. I work a full-time job (an awesome job that I absolutely love) as a learning coach, then I homeschool my teen son and help coach him in Bible Quizzing, then I have my publishing business and editing service (not to mention my own writing that I need to accomplish), I volunteer in ministries at my local church, and I’m also a wife who strives to dedicate time to strengthening my marriage. Phew! No wonder I’m exhausted!

Why don’t you let some things go? You can’t do it all. 

Here’s the caveat: I am fulfilled in all of the above-mentioned roles. 

As a mother and wife: There is no greater joy or calling.

As a professional educator: There is such a joy in helping little children grow in their literacy. In some small way, I feel I helping their futures.

As a volunteer at my church: There is such joy in serving God with a body of believers and in filling roles that leads others to Christ.

As a publisher, editor, and author: These roles are my passion. I could sacrifice in this (and have often in recent months), but I love the written word.

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Ultimately, it comes down to this question: If not me, then who? 

Who will help my son learn his Bible verses? 

Who will spend time with my husband if I’m too busy?

Who will reach the children if I stop? Who will show them the love of Jesus? 

Who will help other writers in their publication endeavors? 

I do realize that self-care is important. And I know that we can simply have too much on our plates. Sometimes, something has to give for peace to be maintained. I’m all for boundaries and balance. That said, when I lay all of these roles down at the cross and ask God what to keep and what to release, I have yet to feel release in any of these areas. Interestingly, I was drawn to the verse in Galatians about being weary in well doing. That’s me! That’s me!

But what hope is to be had in Jesus! There is a harvest to reap for our well doing! There is an eternal reward! A heaven to gain! Whether I see any fruits in this life, I know that God sees the work of my hands, and He is pleased. He sees me trying to fulfill my purpose in Him, and He is there as my rock, my light, my salvation, my strength.

So, be encouraged, friends. Because He is pleased with your well doing too. And He is ever faithful and ever strong, and He has a harvest for us to glean if we do not become so weary that we give up too soon.

Here’s to strength and health in the coming weeks, months, and years! Don’t be weary, friends! God’s strength is sufficient!

Hugs,

Janice