My Journey’s My Own

A Devotional

If you’re like me you’ve been a chronic volunteer. Whether it’s at work, school, church or just in life. If someone needs help you’re there. This is a great way to be, but there are times that this can take over and reduce your time with your family or simply the ability to just “Be”.

For some of us the art of saying no is simply not easy. We feel an immense amount of guilt and obligation to still be the “go to” person everyone sees us as. But let me let you in on a little secret……

…there are others to do those tasks.

People, just waiting in the wings, ready to jump in as you jump out. And the school, church, and workplace will remain standing. I promise.

It feels good to help out, why else would we do it? God calls us to be servants, for the church to be his hands. Whatever that looks like to you.

For me, when my babies were small, it was volunteering for our schools PTA, running fundraisers, going on school field trips, re-organizing the library, and running the hot lunch program once in awhile. I loved it. All of it. I got to know the kids and families really well, in fact some are still our best friends.

One day it just became too much. So I stepped aside, I scheduled family time into the calendar and it felt really good, after I got over the shock that nothing fell apart without me at the helm. Yes, that was a little vain, but honest. As I promised I’ll always be here.

Spending time with my children became the best use of my time. The most valuable and the one that counted. I still volunteer from time to time but not as often. I encourage everyone to do their part, but make sure that your own house is in order before you try to organize someone else’s. 

Questions/Actions

Looking ahead at your calendar, start scheduling “Family Time”. This is not something you can reschedule NO MATTER WHAT.

The next time you’re asked to volunteer simply say “Can I get back to you on that?”, and take some time to mull it over. Make sure your answer fits comfortably into your schedule.

Write down all your commitments…..what can be eliminated or slimmed down?

Verses

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:21

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9