Been to a circus lately?  I remember going as a kid.  The big tent had three arenas in the center, with seating around three sides.  There was something going on in all three arenas all at the same time.  It was difficult to see everything or even to concentrate.

It reminds me of how sometimes our lives seem like a circus.  So much going on that it is hard to manage all the different activities that everyone is involved in, and yes at times even to concentrate. There are ball games, music lessons, church, and youth functions.  Not to mention mowing the lawn, tend the garden, laundry and house cleaning.  Everyone needs a calendar to keep track of their activities and each other in the family.

All these things are nice and add variety and enrichment to our lives.  Nothing wrong with any of them; we meet new people and develop friendships at these events.  However, we need be wise to how busy we really are because it can steal our time and energy away from God and our family.  Activities are great but too many can divide a family rather than draw them closer together; not to mention the finances it takes to be involved in all these extra activities.  This is the plan of the enemy, the devil, to keep us so busy and in such a state of distraction that we forget about what is really important.

I remember times when there was so much to do that I felt like I was stuck in mud!  It all needed to be done but somehow I just couldn’t even think of what to do first.  Maybe you never had or have that problem but I definitely did.  During one of those times I stood in front of the mirror talking to myself saying, “self, do something, anything will be better than nothing.”  Making the decision to do one thing got me started and in a short time I had completed more than one project.  Everything begins with the first step, even if it is small.

So what can we do when we find ourselves in these situations of having too much to do in the time frame of our day?  The first thing I would encourage you to do is to be sure that you are putting God first in your day; each day.  Spend some time in His Word and in His Presence, listen to how He wants you to prioritize your responsibilities for that day.   His Presence gives us peace and clarity in our thinking.

We spend time with those who are important to us, so the amount of time we give to God shows just how important He is to us.  I challenge you to give your “circus activities and responsibilities” to God and let Him teach you how to order your life.

Proverbs 3:6  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God….and it shall be given him.