Jesus generously. poured out His love and grace at our 24th annual Ladies’ Retreat this week. God did a work only He could do. My entire month has been blessed beyond measure.

Even so, a feeling of total exhaustion reared its head again as daily chores, trying to meet writing deadlines, and home and ministry commitments took their toll.

My deadline for completing Patches’ third book, Friendships, was pushed back a bit more as I adjusted my schedule one more time.

My ‘free time’  seemed never to be enough. Time, energy, and the will to push on dwindled fast.

Ever been there? Are you there now? It’s hard to pull out of that mode. You don’t want to do anything right now, see anyone, talk on the phone, or eat — well, let’s re-think that last one!

I needed a short break. A steaming cup of Hazelnut coffee, a double chocolate protein bar, and my feet up on a cozy pillow for a few minutes should do the trick!

As I clicked on the TV for a bit of music, God provided exactly the reminder I needed.  A familiar tape was playing of a young man proclaiming the overwhelming joy of Jesus! He beamed as he talked freely about how personally blessed he was and how much God had done for him. This bold young man was perched on the top of a desk.

This enthusiastic man was Nick Vujicic (click to see photo). Nick was born in Australia without arms or legs. His parents worked hard to get him accepted into a public school where, from an early age, he accomplished what seemed impossible. He learned to use his one “foot” to type on a computer and perform many other tasks.

My feet slid off the stool and onto the floor. I sat straight up in my chair as he continued revealing how anything is possible if you want it badly enough. His early years, I am sure, were extremely difficult. I realized my present tiredness would not hold a candle to his true exhaustion as he worked every day to strengthen and train what muscles he had to achieve his goals.

I struggle with finding time to meet writing deadlines, to read more books, and to become a more faithful witness and friend to others. It takes so little to pull me away from my goals; I wonder how committed I am to finding my purpose.

According to this young man, life without purpose is no life. Living without limbs, he is an author, musician, and actor, and his hobbies include fishing, painting, and swimming. Nick says, “If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!”  Click here for a life-changing video.

Well, dear friends, that program sure did a lot for my exhaustion! I turned off the television and spent some time asking God for forgiveness and a clean heart. Enthusiastically I sorted the stack of papers lining the dining table and sent out requests for artwork for Patches (drop me a note if you know someone who enjoys sketching.)

You know me well enough to know, I believe we need to rest when we are tired. We need to care for ourselves as we care for others. I believe there is a time to work and a time to play. I believe total exhaustion is real! There are times in our lives when we must stop and care for ourselves.

However, there is also—at least in my life—a form of tiredness that comes from “stinkin’ thinkin’” and I am choosing to change that attitude every time it appears.

I pray for you to find rest and renewal in your life today.

Thanks for leaving a note; I will pray for you.