Overwhelmed?

You come to that realization that something needs to be changed. But life is so overwhelming you do not know where to start or maybe even what your options are.

A person needs to simply begin somewhere. We are human, we are imperfect, we may not make the perfect change right away, but we need to start.

And start SIMPLY.

I used to think I needed to have it all figured out before I began. I have 30 lbs. to lose. I will go on Weight Watchers (for they have the diet figured out), walk 30 minutes per day, research healthy recipes, avoid all sugar, eliminate soda, and drink a gallon of water each day. Won't be long and I will see results, right? Wrong. A few days into my new regime and I was irritable, frustrated, wanted to eat any food in sight (especially sugar), and the scale looked the same.

Change in and of itself is a stress on the body. Most of the time change happens and we must go along for the ride, we have no say. Intentional change is positive in that we have a choice, but it is still change and induces a certain amount of stress.

We want change and we want change quickly. But life is not an emergency. Our bodies (and mind) were not made to handle large amounts of change without there being a negative effect. Give yourself permission to take the time to achieve a goal.

Make one small change at a time. One small change each week, or each month, and in a year you will be that much further ahead.

Need to lose weight?
*simply watch portion size
*resolve to walk 15 min. per day
*drink 4 glasses a water per day
*snack on fruit not a candy bar

Home chaotic?
*start a quiet time for all members
*regulate TV time
*make a schedule
*develop family prayer time

Too busy?
*prioritize, shed one activity
*Wake 30 minutes early for some personal quiet time
*change and eating/exercise habit for more energy
*set a boundary for yourself, i.e. when someone asks you to do something, ask for time to think about it

The above may be simplistic in nature, your situation much more complex, but think of one change. It is a step forward. You may question whether it is one that will make a difference, but you won't know until you try.

God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. God does not ask more of us than He is willing to provide strength for. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13) Jesus did not move at a frenzied pace, Jesus was never overwhelmed, and He did not stress about the circumstances He was in. Talk to the Shepherd, He will guide and direct.

One step at a time.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:1-3

This Lenten season, I am filling 40 bags (Walmart-size) of items to either throw away or go to Goodwill. One for each day of Lent. The change? Less is better....one bag at a time.

I am learning to make one small change at a time, one step at a time, in His strength.