Overwhelmed

“. . . earthquakes come . . . mountains crumble into the sea . . .oceans roar and foam . . . waters surge” Psalm 46: 2, 3 NLT

Did you notice the gap? Did you notice that I did not post an entry to my blog for three and half weeks? From April 16 to May 11, 2009, there were no entries. Why? I wondered, too, until I realized what was happening.

Earthquakes came to shake up my schedule. More outings than usual sprung up to fill my days. All were for positive experiences of enjoyment, learning, socializing, contributing, and health. All good, but overwhelming for my calendar!

Mountains of preconceptions crumbled into the sea. At one of those outings, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Not something I saw coming. Good to know, and, thankfully, not life-threatening, yet still a new aspect that needs to be incorporated into my daily life. This includes lots of material to read, new daily exercises, food and natural supplement choices to consider, and, get this, I am supposed to rest each day for an hour or so. All good, but overwhelming for my brain!

Ocean waves of introspection gathered intensity at a course I was taking. More homework, more delving into how best to serve God, more goal-setting and barrier-busting. All good, but overwhelming for my heart!

Waters surged stronger and faster as I broadened my family history research project. One discovery leads to two new mysteries! Very addictive – hard to stop! Who are these people? What was life like for them? How I admire the pioneering spirit of those who left their lives in the ‘homeland’ and traveled to North America with hopes and dreams for a better future. All good, but overwhelming for my organizational skills!

As I lived within this whirlwind of activities, I ignored the warning signs of impending collapse. Although I noticed in my conversations that I used the word “overwhelmed” frequently, I pretended that all was well, because all these involvements were ‘good’. But, where was the balance in my life? When was I turning to God as a refuge from this upheaval of the natural order in my life?

Then, two days ago, when at the library doing research, I experienced physical symptoms resembling a panic or anxiety attack. Ok, God, I got the message. I went home, rested, and cancelled most of my commitments for the next two weeks. Although, I did not sleep well that night, I felt a little better the next day. I went to the doctor who sent me for several tests. Today, I will do what is important which means spending time with God, writing, exercising, eating well and resting. I will step into the eye of the storm where in the calm is God, my refuge and strength, who is always ready to help in times of trouble. Then I will not fear the earthquakes, crumbling mountains, and surging waters that roar through my life. (Psalm 46:1-3).

Dear reader, if you, too, are stuck in the whirlwind, I pray that you will find refuge in the One True God who is at the centre of your life. Step into His fortress of calm and peace. Look up, and see His glorious works. Be still, and know that He is God who can overcome any challenges in your life. Just as I am reminding myself of my priorities, may you also consider who is most important to you and include Him in your daily life.