Are you a person who is driven by so many goals and expectations that you find little time to do anything for the pure joy of doing it? I doubt that this is a pattern that fits everyone, but I am learning that it describes me pretty well. I set goals for myself and volunteer for things until I find myself over-extended.

My health takes its toll as well from all of my good intentions. I recently had a physical setback because I had allowed myself to become overwhelmed with all I needed to do to the point I was all but incapacitated.

These are good things I’m trying to do – things I believe God is leading me to do.

My husband encouraged me to spend some time alone in our mini-cabin-under-construction so I could pray and read the Bible and reflect. I took him up on the idea. Some of the things I feel God impressed upon me were to back off of trying to self-publish books and to pace myself with the other ventures. And I believe one of the biggest things I need to learn to do is to find things I enjoy doing just for the fun of it – not because I have to do it.

I used to sew a lot, and recently I made a couple of dresses out of physical necessity. I had broken out in a rash from taking an antibiotic I must have been allergic to. These dresses didn’t rub at my waist like the shorts and tops I had been wearing would have. I thoroughly enjoyed making the dresses. Yesterday I made another dress and even made a major alteration to the sleeve pattern. There was no real urgency in making the dress though my wardrobe could stand some improvement. But I enjoyed making it, and proudly wore it to church this morning.

I need to do more things that rejuvenate my spirit. In so doing, I expect to have more energy to keep my other commitments. But there is a balance that must be maintained. It would not serve anyone well if I spent so much time relaxing that I never accomplished anything worthwhile. I would be living solely for myself.

I am baring my soul today with the hope that it will benefit someone else. And if this rings true for you, I would appreciate your prayers that I will find God’s balance for me in this as well.