As I grasped her hair to braid it under itself, I felt anxiety and panic coursing through my veins. I’d had this feeling before, but on that day, it felt as if the walls were closing in on me and I struggled to breathe. My attitude shifted and my patience fled. I began to think that I did not have enough time to accomplish everything that had to be done and that if I ran out of time, not only would I inconvenience others, but I would severely disappoint them, too.

The weight of my upcoming obligations fell on me as I was attempting to braid my niece’s hair for her return to school this week. Every YES that I had uttered in haste in recent years was taking a physical and mental toll on me and I just wanted to be free from it all. With her coils securely in my hands, I considered every possibility, as I whispered silent prayers to my Abba.

---

Beloved, have you ever been there before? Been to that place you truly didn’t think that you could continue on the way you had been going in the past? What do you do when you are in that place?

---

As my county’s school district returns to the classroom this week, my heart says a prayer for the journey ahead. Personally, I know that I have over-committed myself this year but I struggle to say NO to events that warm my heart. I know that is not healthy and I’m sincerely praying for opportunities to lessen my load. Until then, I want to leave us all with a prayer:

Dear Lord, as I continue to hold to Your hand, help me to release the things that pull me away from You. Help me to draw near to You so that what I do commit to is pleasing in Your sight. Allow me to not be distracted by being so busy that I miss seeing You in my life. Guide my footsteps, Lord, and allow others to see Your hand divinely leading my life. May I always seek first Your kingdom and righteousness, knowing that all other things will be added unto me according to Your will. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Be blessed, Beloved.