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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

How many things can I do?

"How many things can I do.....and do well?"




This question has been repeating itself in my head again and again the past few days. I feel like there are so many parts of me that I want to keep in shape, that I want to work at so they don't get all fat and mushy! (We're not speaking literally here folks)! That's for another post! A big, ol' FAT post!!! :)




I'm talking about the strings of life that pull....some just a slight tug and others a more strangling type. Some that when knit together in the right way, create one-of-a-kind treasures. Still others that create webs that quickly and easily entangle us. Crazy, twisted, knotted Christmas lights entangled. And then suddenly you're that fly that Charlotte caught and it's too late.




I don't want to be a fly caught in the web of life.




The *weirdest* thing has been happening to me the past few months. When I walk into Paisley's nursery the SAME song is playing and even more odd, it's the SAME part of the song that is playing, and EVEN MORE CRAZY....it's the SAME SENTENCE. It's happened at least 7-8 times now and I'm not exageratting, (something I am gifted in). Do you want to know what God, (via Celine Dion) has been singing to me?

"Life is what happens to you
while you're busy making other plans!!"

It's been a beautiful nudge to my soul, this little quote. Something that stops me in my hurried pace to go-do-finish-go-do-finish. Well, I should actually say go-do-start-go-do-start, because I'm not very good at finishing through on things, I'm a starter! I have great ideas and then they are replaced with greater ideas, none of which ever hit the drawing board. Unless, for instance, one day I decide, (usually in the middle of making dinner or some other HIGHLY inconvenient time) to start something new!!! You know, like rearrange the entire living room and paint a quote on the wall while I'm at it. Not that this has ever happened to me or anything.
So, the question is: how many things can I do and do well? And I don't know the answer to that. ALL is know is that my children aren't a part of my "doing." They are to be a part of my "BEING"! Part of the nitty-gritty everydayness of life. They aren't my projects. They aren't the side show at my own personal circus, (well, sometimes they are)!!!! And on the other extreme, they aren't my LIFE either. There's a balance hidden somewhere in there and I'm on a quest to find it because, as said before, life IS what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
Our pastor said a few weeks ago,
"God's a hand-crafter,
not a mass-producer."
Hand crafted things take time. Slow, purposeful time. I hope we are able to find/make some time to slooooow down and taste the sweetness of life this Summer. That's something I want to be mindful of. And I guess the question has now changed to~how many things can I NOT do? How many things really don't matter for eternity? Don't even matter for NEXT week? Lord, please open my eyes and my heart to the people and things that REALLY count in life.




"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."
~Lily Tomlin~

6 comments:

fleurcottage said...

good post! can coming here for a tea be one of those 'doings?' :)

Bess said...

Wow, Janelle...I have been struggling the past month or two with extreme busyness and with getting my thoughts together on how I'm feeling...and you just did it! Great ideas that never get done, and then one day, I just forget about cleaning the house and work, and paint the bathroom bright blue! WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH ME?!?!

I'm joining your campaign to slow down this summer, to enjoy the people that count in life, to love others more and my to-do list less...

:o)

Jena said...

CHILLS my friend...
I RESONATE WITH EVERY SINGLE PART OF THIS POST....
My children are NOT part of my doing, they are part of my being...
love it...
TRUTH!
BTW, pics on my blog of B's ballet recital...
ps- I made CRAZY SUPER YUMMY Mango Gelato last night and it was super easy and super healthy and I thought of you...

Anonymous said...

HOLLA!

Shar said...

Love this post...right where I have been for the past couple months. Kids...whilst they are my "being", I feel right now in this stage of life they are my "doing" as well and fill my days with more than I could have ever imagined! Trying to find the balance between things I want to pursue whilst being realistic with the demands on me as a Mama...But I guess this is all just part of the journey isn't it?

Vickie said...

Oh dear friend! This was wonderful. I have found myself asking, "What do I WANT to give up? I love everything!" The thing is, what do I love MOST? My hubs and kids of course. This new little one has given me a chance to slow it done...a lot. This first week home has been a huge transition, in the midst of home renovation, etc.. I am just thrilled at the opportunity. The soul embraces it...it's getting my mind around it. Thanks for the post. Lord, set us all free!~

xoxoxoxox