I have always been one of those people that gets over committed. I just do it – I can’t mentally wrap my head around the concept of saying NO. They are almost all things that I like and believe in and would love to do, but I just don’t have time for it AND for my family. I don’t have time to do everything for everyone all the time, but I can’t get my head around that. Some say it is because I have a servant’s heart, but someone brought to my attention the other day that it might be because I like the attention that being so incredibly busy brings me. I like having people look at me and say – “wow – look at her go”, or “I don’t know how you do it all”…
Now honestly, I don’t know what one it is, or a combination of the big heart and recognition, but I do know that I need to figure it out. The Bible says that we are to everything with all our heart and unto the Lord and not unto Man. This is stated in both Colossians 3:23 and Ephesians 6:7. So when I do something I need to be able to do it for the Lord.
I just seem to be drawn to drama, good or bad. I worked for two different companies where the boss and a co-worker were starting an affair and somehow I got pulled into the middle of it from knowing both their families. I lost hair from stress of that one and don’t even ask because I will not go against either of them and share their stories or who it was. (They are not together and some of the families, thankfully, survived the drama) I worked in one place where a mother and son had a very inappropriate relationship.
I am drawn to companies that have me on-call at all hours of the night. I am drawn to friends that are always saying things that seem like they are in pain. If there isn’t drama, I usually try to find drama in the situation. I like fixing and planning and fixing things again. I actually do well with some types of stress, but at the same time, am I giving it all to God when I get stressed?
I remember the first time that I ended up dealing with the co-worker situation, I turned to my husband but not necessarily to God. I turned to my family, but didn’t end up bringing it to God and asking for His guidance and help through it all. I can’t tell you the number of times that I have said – “I can do this” and don’t end up asking God to help me do it – or if it is what he wants me to be doing.
There is a concept out there called the “I’m Third” concept – also known as the “J.O.Y. Concept” It is so simple. Jesus first, Others second, I am third. I learned this at two different summer camps when I was a kiddo – and I find myself needing to turn back to it. There was a fun son that goes with it…
“I am number 3 …T-H-I-R-D Lord I’m 3rd that’s where you want me to be…”
“I let the Great I am, I let my fellow man run in front of me…
I may be last in the race, but I am heaven bound for a victory….
Ohhh.. the “me first” generation, may be sweeping the nation.
But I’m holding out for that SWEET SALVATION!!!!”
“I am number 3 … T-H-I-R-D Lord, I’m 3rd that’s where you want me---- to be!”
Mathew 6:33 says “But seek first his kingdom and all His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Mathew 22:37-39 says “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandments. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.”
Nowhere does it say Love yourself first- love what people say about you. But if I am seeking God and drama finds me – that is fine! I find when you DO seek God, drama finds you because people see that you do have it somewhat together. When drama finds me though, I need to be sure that I am putting God first, other’s second and I am Third. Seeking the Lord’s guidance and wisdom. And on the days there is little to no drama, I need to be sure that I am seeking God first, other’s second and I’m Third!
Wow this is so me. I am truly "aw inspired" by your writing! I can relate and you have helped me see where I need to be. I am a nurturer. I like to help, I like to fix...but when someone no longer needs help or a problem fixed....it's weird.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this awesome blog! Keep it up