Oh, the Joy!

This post is part of Lysa TerKeurst’s “The Best Yes” Blog Tour, which I am delighted to be a part of along with many other inspiring bloggers.  To learn more and join us, CLICK HERE. (http://goo.gl/bQVJW0)

I’m an extrovert, usually a very happy sanguine—except when my schedule is so full I can’t think. At those times, I find myself desperately desiring the solitude that an introvert enjoys.

Many, many years ago, I kept an incredibly hectic schedule (with both business and ministry) and thought I managed it exceptionally well. (What did I know?) But one day, the Lord halted all of it. After I regained my balance and repositioned my priorities (God, husband, children, and ministry—in that order), I was vigilant in reviewing every commitment. I maintained that for a long time, for my children and myself. My husband and I were very careful to keep from being overwhelmed by too many activities. There were occasional spurts of stressful activity—you can’t run from all of them. But they were brief, and I quickly settled back into my carefully constructed routine. As a result, we were able to spend a great deal of quality time together, and created many lasting memories. We wanted our children to have a strong sense of family—who we were—who they were.

Now they are teenagers. Busy teenagers.

Since last year, no longer are we able to grab a last minute camping trip, or spontaneously spend a Saturday chasing bluebonnets. Everything revolves around youth band, football season, color guard, and winter guard. It was the first time in a long time that I lived with a schedule that was too full. In addition to leading my regular Bible study, I added two short-term Bible study commitments. Although I enjoyed Bible study, often it felt like a job rather than a joy.  (My apologies to those of you who were there and are reading this!!)

We had a good summer break. My kids thrived relationally without the added stress of homework, tests, and projects. For the most part, everyone was happy! Last week, however, everything changed. We had already added morning and evening rehearsals, but in my desire to give my kids wonderful, last minute, summer fun, I filled every waking hour that wasn’t already committed, with trips to water parks, visits to grandparents, lunches out, and shopping trips. Once again, and too quickly, I was a basket case.

At the beginning of the year, I did the “one word” thing that was so popular. My word? Unhurried. (Clearly, I didn’t maintain it.)

My brief summer quiet times often teased me with Scriptures like Psalm 46:10 (NLT) “Be still, and know that I am God!”

I walked away feeling dry and empty.

Yesterday was the second day of school. I got up earlier than the day before and had unhurried time with the Lord. One of the Scriptures I read was Psalm 23. Typically, I read that psalm and immediately think about the comfort it brings to people walking through deep suffering. But the first three verses spoke fresh encouragement to me.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Similar to Psalm 1.

Oh, the joys of those who … delight in the law of the Lord, mediating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Isn’t that beautiful? I needed that desperately this morning. My soul has been dry and weary from the busyness of overcommitment during the last school year and the recent summer.  My Shepherd lets me, literally, rest–in–peace. I can be like a strong tree, bearing fruit, and bringing honor to Him because I chose The Best Yes.

This year, I am taking a break from leading Bible studies. I’m still attending, but not bearing the responsibility of caring, preparing, and teaching. Instead, my focus will be on my blog and completing a Bible study I want to have published. I’m looking forward to enjoying my kids and their activities, without feeling guilty about ministry commitment conflicts.

“The decisions you make determine the schedule you keep. The schedule you keep determines the life you live. And how you live your life determines how you spend your soul.  

(From Chapter 3, The Best Yes)

Most of all, I’m anticipating joy-filled moments with my Shepherd, who satisfies my soul-thirst.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this [regular] water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

New York Times Bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst has written a new book about finding your Best Yes. Many call this book “inspiring” and “fabulous.”  I call it a game-changer.  You can grab a copy at http://goo.gl/ZFUZbD