The kids and I handed out thousands of water cups at a triathlon Mike competed in this summer. Even though our family had a great day helping those thirsty runners, I can see the metaphor in this picture. It shows a lesson God is teaching me more and more every day.
Here’s what I’m learning: the world is full of thirsty runners. Everyone in the world needs something as desperately as those runners needed that water. As a people pleaser, I love to imagine I’m capable of giving every person exactly what they need. But as I get older, I realize being everything to everyone is burning me out. It’s taking valuable time and energy away from my family.
Hello, older woman at church with the long-winded political rant, I can’t really help you. You’re afraid about what’s happening in the world. I’ve listened while my family waited in the hot car for me. But here’s the deal, sweet woman, I can’t really say anything that will make you feel better. You should probably talk to God about your fear because He can give you the peace you’re looking for. And I should probably go talk to my patient family.
Hello, young mom with the self-satisfied story about how mean your mother-in-law is, I can’t help you with that. Look. You’re looking for someone to take your side, to pump my fist and help you justify your anger. I can feel you needing it, sister. You need validation in your grudge like I need a good night’s sleep. Event hough you’ll feel better after this, it won’t solve anything. Pray about this, talk to your mother-in-law, and snuggle that adorable baby. Those will help you. But I can’t be pulled into your drama.
As I’m finally learning how to prune instead of juggle, I’m realizing I don’t have to be the one who finds the solution for everyone. I can’t always be the one who steps in to volunteer at the crucial moment. God doesn’t want me respond to every call with an enthusiastic, “Send me! Send me!” He has already called me to fiercely love and care for five other people. That fantastic husband and four kids need me to be their wife and mother.
I can help the thirsty who are all around me by writing the stories, devotions, blogs, books, and articles for them. I can provide something by doing what I love. God has called me to that.
I’m still not very good at sifting. Most of the time I would rather scurry around finding water for strangers than keeping my butt in my office chair, eeking out slow writing progress. I would rather imagine myself as the person providing water for thousands rather than the little bit of real nourishment for my family.
But every day, God reminds me of my callings. He tells me to stop juggling, to get back to my desk, and go back to work. The world is thirsty for His word.
