Our Stories
A New Year
By Paulette Chaussee | posted 01/18/2007
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
It’s a brand new year – but it’s the same old resolution! Month after month…year after year…I resolve to make it a reality. PUT GOD, AND WHAT MATTERS TO HIM, FIRST IN MY LIFE!
It’s certainly not for lack of trying, lack of desire, or even lack of knowledge. But, it seems no matter how honorable my intentions, I find I’m slipping back into the oh-so-familiar rut of filling my time with what “appears” most urgent.
Now, being a single mom, working a very demanding full-time job, a part-time job, having a daughter who plays club volleyball, and another who is getting married in July, ARE legitimate reasons for having a very FULL life! But, here’s what I also know to be true… I have a Father who created me, who loves me, and is always here with open arms and a strong back! He is far more capable of carrying this load then I am! He says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
I continually fail at keeping the daily demands on my time and attention from becoming the MASTER of my life! Why does it seem like the easiest things to push aside when my schedule fills up, are the ones that connect me with my faith? Those are the things that get pushed to the “do it later when I have time” list. And does that “time” ever materialize? NOOOOOOOOOO!
What are the consequences of all this “backwards” living? I’m left feeling empty, weary, and worst of all – distant from my Savior. Not that He’s gone anywhere…He’s always right here, reaching out to me, giving me reminders of His majesty, mercy and blessings every day! I see it in the beauty of nature, the miracle of my daughters, the love of my granddaughter, and the many blessings He constantly provides. He waits patiently for me to get it through my thick head that I need only seek Him and His purposes first; He is ready, willing and able to do more than I can even imagine. And do you know the really great part? His love is unconditional…He never says “I told you so!” when I finally turn to Him and find His promises to be true.
This year, I am determined to get this right! I’m not naïve enough to think this time will be any easier than before, so I am open to suggestions, encouragement, and of course your prayers… If you want to check in and see how I’m doing, I could use the accountability as well!
So, here’s to 2007 and living life with my one and only Master!
To respond to this message, email Paulette at paulettec1@comcast.net.
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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV) It’s a brand new year – but it’s the same old resolution! Month after month…year after year…I resolve to make it a reality. PUT GOD, AND WHAT MATTERS TO HIM, FIRST IN MY LIFE! It’s certainly not for lack of trying, lack of desire, or even lack of knowledge. But, it seems no matter how honorable my intentions, I find I’m slipping back into the oh-so-familiar rut of filling my time with what “appears” most urgent. Now, being a single mom, working a very demanding full-time job, a part-time job, having a daughter who plays club volleyball, and another who is getting married in July, ARE legitimate reasons for having a very FULL life! But, here’s what I also know to be true… I have a Father who created me, who loves me, and is always here with open arms and a strong back! He is far more capable of carrying this load then I am! He says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I continually fail at keeping the daily demands on my time and attention from becoming the MASTER of my life! Why does it seem like the easiest things to push aside when my schedule fills up, are the ones that connect me with my faith? Those are the things that get pushed to the “do it later when I have time” list. And does that “time” ever materialize? NOOOOOOOOOO! What are the consequences of all this “backwards” living? I’m left feeling empty, weary, and worst of all – distant from my Savior. Not that He’s gone anywhere…He’s always right here, reaching out to me, giving me reminders of His majesty, mercy and blessings every day! I see it in the beauty of nature, the miracle of my daughters, the love of my granddaughter, and the many blessings He constantly provides. He waits patiently for me to get it through my thick head that I need only seek Him and His purposes first; He is ready, willing and able to do more than I can even imagine. And do you know the really great part? His love is unconditional…He never says “I told you so!” when I finally turn to Him and find His promises to be true. This year, I am determined to get this right! I’m not naïve enough to think this time will be any easier than before, so I am open to suggestions, encouragement, and of course your prayers… If you want to check in and see how I’m doing, I could use the accountability as well! So, here’s to 2007 and living life with my one and only Master! To respond to this message, email Paulette at paulettec1@comcast.net. |
