Welcome back! It’s definitely been awhile since I’ve posted anything on my blog, but in the midst of a spiral this morning that I affectionately like to refer to as being “cracked,” where I may or may not have been yell-singing a random 80’s song as a coping mechanism at the top of my lungs, (don’t worry, I was alone in my home—this was not a public spiral) I felt inspired to jot down my thoughts in this upcoming verybusyseason.
Here’s a little glimpse into our upcoming year as a family:
- College graduation for our oldest
- High School graduation a week later for our youngest
- Graduation Party that I have barely begun planning for
- Wedding for my oldest
- Moving our youngest to college 3 hours away
- 25th anniversary vacation with Favorite Husband this fall
- Beginning construction on our future home
…all while juggling running multiple businesses with Favorite Husband, including finding out he has a new potential business on the horizon that I just heard about last night. ALWAYS an adventure with that one.
I can see the thoughts forming in all of your heads right now. “Um, Ms. Reluctant Extrovert, these all sound like GREAT THINGS–what is your problem??” And I cannot disagree with you. We are blessed beyond measure. Am I also pre-overwhelmed? ABSOLUTELY. Do I feel like cozying up under a fluffy blanket and binge-watching British period dramas into oblivion? Nothing could be truer.
So I started reflecting on this upcoming season, (post 80’s-nostalgic yell-sing) and thought to myself, “Self, WHY ARE YOU spiraling?! These are amazing things! You should be rejoicing!”
And I’m not NOT-rejoicing. I’m SO thankful for all the beautiful, amazing, life-changing moments happening in our lives and the lives of our family this year. It’s just SO MUCH!
So I had to stop myself from heading into the treacherous waters of self doubt and fetal positioning and instead decided to turn to the Bible. What does the Bible say about how to deal with seasons of overwhelm—good or bad? How can I redirect my focus towards peace in times of overwhelm?
- Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
- Phillippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
- 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]” AMP
- Psalm 61:2: “From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I”
- Psalm 73:26: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”
- Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”
- Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…”
- Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”
So maybe that’s the reminder I needed today—and maybe you do too. Just because a season is full of good things doesn’t mean it can’t also feel crazy heavy. And just because we feel overwhelmed doesn’t mean we’re doing it wrong, it just means we’re human.
The good news? We were never meant to carry it all by ourselves. Not the pressure, not the planning, not the uncertainty, not even the blessings that feel bigger than our capacity. God doesn’t ask us to hold it all together. He simply asks us to bring it to Him. And thankfully, His strength has never once depended on ours!
So if you’re in a season that feels a little too full, a little too loud, or a little too much… feel free to yell-sing a song of your choice at the top of your lungs, (preferably in private but you do you) but ALSO take a breath, say a prayer, get in the Word and remember:
YOU are not carrying this alone.
Diary of a Reluctant Extrovert 