They were overwhelmed by fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this? Even the wind and sea obey him!’ Mark 4:41 NET

Like most women I know, my job description is huge.  I’m a wife, a mom, and a business owner.  I live on a farm; I’m on several committees at church; I am a board member for a non-profit foundation. I’m working on being more organized, losing some weight, and finding time to relax. I always have a looming “to-do” list that feels like it’s a mile long.

I believe my business and ministry in the marketplace is my call, but I’m constantly struggling to manage it all by myself. A few months ago, I was invited to speak at a Ruritan dinner.  I assumed the purpose was to inform them about my arts center and politely request a donation.  I carefully prepared the presentation and thought that I executed it well.  I did not, however, receive a check in the mail. In fact, I didn’t hear anything more from them.  Perhaps my vision for “community enhancement through personal enrichment” wasn’t actually that great.  Fear and doubt tried to swallow me up again.  

This Monday, someone called to request a meeting at my office.  We agreed to meet on Thursday at 6:00PM.  When I woke on Tuesday, I realized that Thursday was my husband’s birthday!  Not only had I scheduled a late meeting AND double booked myself, I had forgotten to plan a meal or celebration for Scott!  (This is a sure sign that I’m TOO busy!)  I contacted the man to apologize and request that we reschedule.

Yesterday was Thursday.  My mother rescued me and volunteered to make a birthday supper. I didn’t even have to clean my house!

My last class for the day ended at 5:30. At 5:20, the second tremendous storm within an hour began.  The sky was black, rain poured, children were frightened, and parents were calling from the parking lot to say they couldn’t get out of their cars.  The roads began to flood. Water poured over the curb.  It began to fill the basement. Then it began to creep INTO the art studio through the walls.  Anxiety threatened to swirl like the water outside. I prayed, “Lord Jesus, please help me handle this situation WELL”.

Then I realized, I wasn’t ACTING calm, I WAS calm.  I was FLOODED with peace.  I reassured my students. We sopped up the water with paint smocks and rugs.  Eventually the rain slowed down. Parents gathered their children. The puddle on the floor stopped growing.  I was able to get to my mother’s house.  My family enjoyed an evening with much laughter, celebration, and fried chicken.

This morning I checked my email and found a message from the man I was supposed to meet last night. He reminded me that sometimes God rearranges our plans for a reason.  He’s a pastor who met me recently at a Ruritan meeting.  He’s also a musician, and wants to schedule his first concert at my art center.  

Are you OVERWHELMED? Do you feel like rising water is an analogy for this season in your life?  I invite you to trust that God has a plan for provision.  I invite you to believe that He will meet your needs in ways you can’t yet imagine.  Ask Him to show you what can be rescheduled or removed from your calendar so that you aren’t so BUSY, you miss what is truly important.  Trust Him to guide you. Make necessary changes. Remember that the storms around us won’t last forever, and that the rising waters will eventually recede.  

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for working in ways that we can not anticipate. Thank You for opportunities to serve You, discernment to know what we can manage well, and help when we have taken on too much.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.