Have you ever felt overwhelmed to the point of crying?  Ever felt so stressed  that you became angry and quick to react?  Life before the pandemic was stressful enough but adding on the new rules, regulations and the new reality of life has pushed many folks over the edge.  As a preacher’s wife, mother, employee of the corporate world, I find myself in the same boat.  Many days I find myself thinking I’m getting somewhere only to realize there is a whole new thing that needs my attention.  A few weeks ago, I was so stressed at work, trying to get things set up at the church and not to mention homeschool that I was at the breaking point.  It was a Saturday and my husband was giving me the latest run down of the things that needed my attention.  I begin to feel overwhelmed and stressed about to cry.  We were walking across the yard where my father-n-law’s shed is and I looked at the yard and said to him.  “Honey, I have a desire to mow.”  He said, “What?” I responded, “I have a desire to mow. Please!”  He said, “well ok. I’m not gonna stop you.”  (Now for those who are reading this – especially men – don’t expect your spouse to be like me – I am a strange creature when it comes to mowing. I love it.)   He started up the zero-turn and demanded I wear a mask and ear plugs.  So I put them on and away I went.  It was 11:30 in the morning and I was having the time of my life out there.  No one bothered me!    In the next hour and half, I prayed, sang, prayed in the Spirit, asked God specific questions and got clear direction.  I got off the mower – of course I didn’t do all the yard just the easy part – and it was like a weight was lifted.  Why?  I removed myself from everything and got with my Heavenly Father who helped me get directions and see clearly. 

There are plenty of scriptures that tell us to not be overwhelmed.  Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 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.

This week when you begin to feel overwhelmed and stressed out.  I challenge you to step back, find a place whether it’s in your prayer closet, folding clothes or on a lawn mower and get with God.  Tell him all of your struggles and challenges.  Listen to His direction.  I guarantee you that you will come out feeling 100% better.  Because in the nature, I didn’t have 90 minutes to waste but honestly it was worth every second.  I didn’t even miss it.