Cutting Back

Lately I've been reading much about Lysa TerKeurst's new book, The Best Yes. In it she addresses the busyness most of us live with along with our disease to please. As I've read her posts and heard others share their "unrush" me stories, I've been reminded of a visual God gave me nearly 4 years ago.

At that time I was busy as a farmer's wife, mom to a 1, 3, 5 and 7 year old, a leader of our MOPS group, a homeschooling Mom, and member of a women's ministry team. Though I didn't know it yet I was also pregnant with our 5th child. The week following our big women's event, I was exhausted and God was answering our speaker's (who just happened to be Lysa T.) prayer - He was messing with me!

One night my baby boy was sick and as I sat up in the wee hours trying to comfort him, God worked to do the same with me. He'd been "messing" with me in a good way, bet yet it was hard. So I sat there and cried out to Him, "God, what do you want me to do?"

I asked that question and instantly a picture of my little Joy came to mind and I saw myself trimming her bangs. Initially, I thought, Jill focus! I really did not know why I was thinking about this. But then the picture changed - I saw her in a new way, a better way, a more complete way and then God said to me, "Jill, if you cut back in your life you will see Me better too."

Those words were impressed on my heart and in time I gave "The Barber" the scissors and within months He'd trimmed away everything outside the walls of my home. At times I felt a lot like my little girl...the trim wasn't comfortable and the process wasn't one I enjoyed. I recall thinking things like, "Why God? You led me to step out only to lead me to step away? God it hurts. God it's change. God, I can't." But just like I know when my daughter's bangs need a trim, God knows when my life does too.

He did much through that time of cutting back and I did see Him much better...it truly was a blessing and now 4 years later I know He closed some doors so He could open others. I'm grateful I let go and let God be God...He had a plan, though I didn't always understand it, and it was good.

Some of the "No's" I said back then have led to "Yes's" I'm able to say today. My plate is no longer empty and God continues to have me evaluate what I'm doing, while He reminds who I am is not what I do. And friend, the same is true for you.

I share all this with you in attempt to encourage you. If God is leading you to cut back or He's asking you to trim things from your schedule, or life, let Him do it. It may not feel good, it might not make sense and it may even hurt, but trust me He has a purpose. Remember Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."

A few other encouraging reminders that are much more powerful that my experience -
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord." Isaiah 55:8

"The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Friend, if it's time for a trim, schedule the appointment! Experience tells me, the process goes much smoother when the participant is willing!! If I can pray for you, please send me a message or leave me a comment!! Blessings to you!