Photo/Contributed

Penny L. Hunt

Among the various post-holiday weight loss commercials on television, there is one that caught my attention.

A man and women share how hard they work while taking care of family, friends, career, each other and their community. The end result is they have no time to take care of themselves and require pre-packaged meals to control their caloric intake.

These two people cannot be unique in suffering from such a sad state of affairs or there would be no market to justify the expense of the commercial. Perhaps you live under stress like that, constantly facing deadlines as every moment of every day is prescheduled to the point where days are over before they begin and you have no time for yourself.

Something is wrong here.

This all-consuming pace cannot be the life our Heavenly Father intends for us.

So what are we to do?

First, watch out for little foxes. I learned this from Bible teacher and author, Kay Arthur. She once taught a lesson on the "little foxes that rob vines." Song of Solomon 2:15.

She explained it is not the big things, but rather the little things we add and add to our days that eventually leave us overwhelmed. It happens subtly when someone says something like, "But it's just this one thing; it won't take long" and I say, "yes" instead of "no."

Or when I think, "It's just a small note to so-and-so, or a quick call".

Of course they always take longer than expected, are neither short nor small and I end up robbed of time needed for more pressing matters.

Like so many others, in an effort not to disappoint anyone, I try and do more than I can handle. The end result is I am always hurried and running late which frustrates me as much as it frustrates others. Sadly, what this really boils down to is a combination of people pleasing, pride and fear.
What I have to ask myself is, "Am I now seeking the favor of men or of God?"

Am I striving to please Him, or please men?"

Secondly, stop stealing time.

It is no secret restorative, stress-relieving sleep is vital to our mental and physical abilities. However, when "little foxes" begin robbing the vines of my life, I begin stealing hours from the night by retiring late or rising extra early.

I forget how my Creator has fearfully and wonderfully made me and how, "He gives His beloved sleep". Psalm 127:2. God loves me and wants me to be well rested.

When I begin to ignore this, I begin to violate a law of nature established by the all-wise Creator.

God Himself rested!

Surely I must find a way to do the same.

Saying "no" is never easy.

However, as I take time to consider my priorities and put God at the top of my list, I not only have more peace in my life but also have the Òsound mindÓ God gave me.

2 Timothy 1:7.- When I am rested, living as a servant of the Lord rather than of men, I am able to more effectively minister to others and complete my daily tasks with joy.