This year has been a growing year thus far. I am learning to pay closer attention to my needs and limits, as well as the needs and limits of my family.
I have often heard about priorities and balancing them. But I've been learning something a level deeper than that. I serve, often to my own detriment. I serve because it brings me joy. But when I serve to the point that I am diminishing my own abilities to do and be what I desire for my family and myself, that's a problem.
Most specifically, I am giving my gardening and food preservation ideals a seat on the back burner. I enjoy those things. It is beneficial for my family when I do them. Our economy and food supply issues in our country give my hobbies even more of a benefit than just being healthy.
The big 'BUT', is that it takes time and energy out of me and my day. While I could keep up with my hobbies and still do the other things that I do, it taxes me.
I'm taking the concept to all areas of my life. In homeschooling, we are part of two homeschool groups. We won't participate in all the things; we will participate in some. I'm writing fewer blog posts, spending less time on my phone, and more time on what matters most.
Priorities do not dictate my choices; they guide me in knowing which choices help or hinder me in living this life that the Lord has given. I'm the type of person who can see both sides of the coin.
Choices can be challenging for me if I don't have a strong opinion regarding the choice before me. So, I am learning to prayerfully consider, "What matters most?" Is that thing worth the time and energy spent to accomplish it? Is it where God is leading? Even if it is a 'good' thing, is it the right timing for our family?
The best part is, I am finding that I have more time to pray, I can think about things with more clarity, and it is easier to say "no" or cut out that thing that hinders more than it helps.
