Do you ever feel like your life is a juggling act? You know, one of those people who have all the plates spinning at the top of a stick? You spend your days running back and forth grabbing each stick just to keep the plate spinning so it won't wobble and fall.
As a single Mom, I have been juggling jobs (yes, more than one), home, childcare and bills for many years. It has not been easy and I bow to all the single Mom’s out there who are trying to make it day by day. I feel your pain! But with my daughter grown and as I get older, I find myself wanting to “simplify” my life. There is a part of me that would like to give up juggling all those responsibilities and move to a house in the country. Plant an herb garden, maybe grow a few tomatoes, some watermelon, and strawberries, then sit on the porch swing and watch them grow.
However, the Bible doesn’t say we are to sit on our porch swing and eat fruit salad. In Proverbs 31(Sandy’s paraphrase) the woman works hard watching for bargains and has no fear of growing old. She has great wisdom and lots of energy and works into the night. She is a woman of strength and dignity and when she speaks, her words are wise and kindness is always found in everything she says.
What a legacy. How can a woman today possibly follow such a great example? Just speaking each word in kindness is a daunting task to say the least. But I honestly believe that the Lord placed this scripture in the Bible not to make us feel like underachievers, but to encourage us to utilize the strength and wisdom that He gives us on a daily basis.
When we are busy about all the responsiilities we have with family, home and job, it's even more important to stop and devote time for Him. Even in the middle of a crazy day, take down the spinning plates and rest your head on the Lord's shoulder. Be refreshed as His loving arms surround you with peace and comfort. Even if it's just for a few minutes, I promise you'll feel the difference.
So dear ones, if you are one of those who feel weary and tired, struggling along trying to catch up with all those plates that are beginning to wobble, God understands! He offers us hope, friendships with other women, support and guidance within His Word to carry us through those moments of overwhelming doubts and concerns. If we meet daily with our Father, and place our hand in His, only then will we understand the “blessed assurance” that He is with us and will walk beside us through life and all it's responsibilities… one plate at a time.
