People … I’ve got to drop a rock.
Have you heard that story?
You know … the one where the man was pulling a wagon up a mountain and as he traveled up the mountain to meet with God (at the top, of course), he picked up rocks on the way that his friends had asked him to carry up to the top. Well, of course, his wagon got too heavy and he couldn’t make it. God asked him why he didn’t come to the top of the mountain and he said it was because of all the rocks that his friends made him carry up to God. The rocks were all for good purposes, you know. Then, God said that He never intended for the man to carry those rocks. The man’s purpose was only to carry his rocks (the ones God intended him to carry) up the mountain.
That was a very loose version of the story and I hope it makes sense to you.
I’m doing too much.
No, I’m not giving up my blog. This is like cheap therapy for me.
But, I’m definitely dropping one, if not more, rocks.
First rock to go … teaching a ladies’ fitness class at the church. Just hoping that I won’t get too out of shape. Seriously, I’ve been teaching it for a couple of years now, and it has become a chore. That’s a sure sign that it should be dropped. Come Thanksgiving, the class is over.
Second, … Adios, PTF. Too many meetings. Too much volunteering falling onto the shoulders of the same people. Being an officer on the PTF has also become a pain and a chore.
Third … dropping some chores around the house and passing that rock onto my girls. It’s time. Mama’s tired of doing everything for you. It’s time for you to step up to the plate and help. The girls will now be unloading and loading the dishwasher, putting their laundry away, and cleaning their own bathroom, along with keeping their bedroom clean. I commit to not stress about the cleaning not being perfect.
I’m still trying to think of other rocks to drop.
I never want to loose my focus of why I’m here. I want no distraction that would move my gaze from Him to the things I’m doing (volunteering, ministering, etc.) for Him.
Got any rocks you want to get rid of?
Hebrews 12:1-2 – 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
You know, my mom always says “A wise woman asks for help” but i think it also applies to women who sit back and think about whether or not their responsibilities are actually productive or necessary or good for them. i think you’re doing a great job of that!
Hope you’re having a happy day, and i’m excited that you’ll have a little more free time. i’m also relieved you’re not giving up blogging!
I think today would be a great day to drop all my rocks! Think the family will go for that?!
Way to go, mama belle!
I had to drop the Ladies Missionary Fellowship at church…they could function without me, and I didn’t want to be gone another night from home. It was the best decision for my fam!
Now, I’m learning to say NO from the start…before I have to figure out how to “get out of it” 🙂
I love that verse!
Good for you, dropping those rocks. I'm glad to hear you giving the girls some chores too. (I'm not judging, mine are 5 &3) When I was a nanny I gave my "kids" 10&7 chores. Folding their clothes, putting them away, cleaning rooms, taking care of cat & dog. It was SO good for them, and thier behavior changed. (for the good, for me anyway.) My daughter now has to set the table, feed the cat and organize the shoes in the foyer, she sighs loudly when "told" to do these things, but I know she feels important when she helps out because any time the boy tries to butt in she yells "this is MY work!" Ah, the sound of angels!
I was just talking to my hubs about this this morning…
My prayer is now that if the Lord wants me to do some things that getting on my plate, he either has to give me super woman powers or help me see what needs to go.
I’m happy you’re not stopping this blog because it is truthfully some of the best entertainment around…besides Dwight and “The Office”, that is!
There’s so much that I could say in response to this post. However, I will sum it up with a hearty AMEN! It looks like you are exercising wisdom, and that is such a great quality to have.
I know exactly what you mean! If you spread yourself too thin by things you think you should be doing, then you won’t have the stamina and energy to do the things God wants you to do.
I too am relieved you’re not giving up blogging!
Oh man – I need to drop some rocks… more like boulders.
Great post! Thanks for the reminder.
I had never heard this story. It is amazing the simple ones carry so much truth. Now pray for me, I have a PTA meeting this afternoon and “my wagon is full with a broken wheel”. I don’t need any more rocks! Have a great day.
I am so very happy one of the rocks was not blogging! I so enjoy reading your posts.
I know about having too many rocks! I think you are on the right track!!! Here is to hoping your rocks are distrubted to accepting people!
Good for you! It sounds like you dropped rocks that were low in priority and high on time. Lately I’ve been hearing the same thing on other blogs. Time is one thing we can’t make more of.
Also good for you for teaching your girls personal responsibilty. I did the same with my two girls.
Great verse, too!
God Bless
I reread Hebrews often…and James…’cause of tongue issues. Love the verse you quoted.
I dropped the Parent Team Committee at my child’s school…20% of people doing 80% of the work, as usual. Too much, too much…I had to say no this year.
I need to drop a couple more rocks. This was a great post…you got me to thinking, and that’s always a good thing. I love how God uses others in our lives. Thanks!
Good for you, I’m proud of ya!!
I bet you’re feeling pretty good right about now, dropping rocks is a good thing when we get overwhelmed and burnt out.
Saying “no” has always been sooo hard for me, but then I get in situations where I’m juggling too many rocks. Good for you for recognizing what you need to do before you completely burn out.
And…when I first started reading, you scared me ’cause I thought you were going to say that you were quitting your blog.
My husband has been invaluable in teaching me that “no” is not a four-letter word. Good for you for taking stock and making changes that you feel need to be made!
You are being wise to reevaluate your commitments. It takes courage and maturity to do that :>) Thanks for challenging us all in that!
Good for you – dropping a few rocks! It can be so hard to “drop things” especially when you (AND others) are so used to just doing it! I’m sure you’ll be a better mom, wife, friend, and follower of Him because of it. ;0)
~Rachel
Not only am I making the girls (my three) be less helpless (aka “mom do everything for me” syndrome) but…and maybe its just me…but i have spoiled my husband for way.too.long. And I have had to tell him that he could stand to do more. Yeah, i stay at home. But I am in school full time AND just because I stay home doesnt mean everyone gets to treat me like free labor…so yeah. I TOTALLY applaud you for rock dropping. Working on t myself! Cause I feel like I am giving God the short end of the stick.
I need to get my kids more involved in helping out around the house. I have a problem with getting them to help and then them not doing it like I want it, or even worse taking too long to do it.
Not good on my part. The point should be teaching them to help, no matter how it gets done or how long it takes.