When You Feel Overwhelmed
It’s been a while.
There are many reasons why, but for now I’ll just share one – Foster Care. I don’t know how much of this journey I will share, but as God gives me words, I promise to let you in on the beautiful broken road we are walking.
We live in a world where we are challenged to simplify, organize, and compartmentalize our lives into cute planners with holiday stickers and journals for every occasion. I’m the first to confess I love an adorable planner with a fun pink pen and a place to keep my list of “have to’s” and “want to’s”.
There’s just something about putting things down on paper and seeing them in print that brings me a sense of calm.
Lately I’ve had little time to plan, prepare, or organize anything. My life has been what most would call overwhelming. I don’t share this for you to feel sorry for me or amazed at all I seem to juggle. I share this overwhelming season of life with you because it’s been one of the most amazing seasons I have ever experienced.
When we first got the call, my heart was ready, but my home was not. Within moments we prepared our home for the arrival of a child we knew nothing about. Sippy cups, pull ups, blankets, and a new teddy bear took their spot on my shopping list.
Suddenly a life written in a planner with a pink pen became a life not able to be put into words. The plans for the week changed from rigid schedules, activities, cleaning, and errands, to simply meeting the needs of the people under my roof. Feeding, bathing, and loving were the essentials and that’s about all we did for the first week.
While life hurried on outside the walls of our home, we slowed down to embrace the overwhelming responsibility of another child.
The middle of the night crying that came with this little one, and the trauma that exposed itself through meltdowns, and crocodile tears became the new normal. While reality overwhelmed us emotionally and physically, God supernaturally overwhelmed us with calmness that can only be attributed to Him.
There is no explanation for the calm God continues to give us as we hold a child that desperately desires our love one moment and violently fights our affection the next. Simply put, it’s overwhelming.
I don’t know what overwhelming experience you are enduring right now, but I pray God gives you His power as you trust Him through it.
His will might not always fit nicely in a cute planner, and it might not look pretty written in pink ink. But I promise, God’s plan will always bring you closer to Him. Isn’t that what we all want? To be closer to God? To feel Him near? And know He indeed is with us through it all?
Too many times we pass up God’s way because it looks too hard, too complicated, too overwhelming.
But I’m learning overwhelm is a good thing
as long as it’s a God thing.
All the other stuff in life can wait, but God’s way is urgent.
It’s tending to the needs God places before us right now. Today. It’s sharing the love of Jesus in the way God has uniquely designed each of us to.
Don’t put off what God is calling you to, even if it seems too overwhelming.
Embrace it.
Face it.
And live in the overwhelm with God. It’s a beautiful place.
Love & Blessings,
Micah
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Prayers for you and you and your family walk through this incredible journey.
Thank you so much, Rachal! Thank you for reading. Have a wonderful week!
All the other stuff in life can wait but God’s way is urgent. SO true Micah. Wow! I can’t even imagine how overwhelming things are for you right now but I love that you are pouring into the life of a child in need of healing and love. God bless you for that. Praying for the joy of the Lord to be your strength today.
Hugs,
Patti
Patti, thank you so much! I’m so thankful for that new mercy every single day. Choosing joy today! I hope you have a great week!
Beautiful post, Micah. I’m sharing it on Twitter and Facebook!
Thanks so much, Sarah!
So beautiful! It is true… when we reach the end of ourselves, our strength, our abilities, is when we reach out to God and learn to rely on Him. Praying you see His strong hand at work in your day, Micah!
Yes, Liz – the end of ourselves. I’m learning that’s such a precious place. Thank you for your prayers! Hugs!
My dad worked at The Children’s Home my entire life. It’s a place where kids go in between foster care and I cannot say enough how much good you are doing <3
I never realized the huge need until I became involved. So many children just need someone to take interest, and offer love. What a beautiful thing your dad did! Thanks for sharing, Heather!
God bless you in this season Micah ♥ I think you put it best with this quote—> But I’m learning overwhelm is a good thing as long as it’s a God thing. To add to that, I saw this quote last weekend and have been mulling over it: The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude. (Robert Lipkin) Here’s to your God ordained adventure! xo
Attitude makes such a difference doesn’t it? Wow! I think I say this to my kids 100 times a day, but I need the reminder too! Love it, Heather! Thank you for sharing! xo
It truly does!! But it’s a hard lesson to learn! I need to hear it 100 times a day as an adult :) Blessings on you girl!
Micah,
I’m so proud of you for opening your home, your heart, your schedule to a foster child. It’s something I would have liked to do if my situation had been different.
The details of my life are quite different from yours, but lately I’ve been experiencing a lot of overwhelm from many angles. I’m trying to see the beauty in the overwhelm of my life. Your post is really helpful.
I will be praying for you, this beloved child and your whole family. May you all experience the love, peace and hope of our great God :)
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
I think we all carry overwhelm in each season of life in different ways. I hope you begin to see the beauty in your season and know that this too shall pass. Thank you for your prayers for our family. It means a lot! And thank you for taking the time to read and share your heart. Have a blessed week! Hugs!!
God Bless you and your family for opening your hearts and offering a safe haven for another child. The statistics of children needing good homes is overwhelming. I work in law enforcement and I speak from experience in saying not all foster homes are safe and healthy environments. May the Lord continue to bless all of you as you go through this journey and may your influence and love carry with that child for a lifetime always reminding them of the better side and love that people are capable of!
I didn’t realize how many children needed homes until I got involved. My prayer is that the children that come through our home will find Jesus through the love we offer. Thank you for your service! And thank you for your kind words!
Lord, I lift Micah up to you this very minute — what a journey! Strengthen her with courage and love, patience and self-control. Thank you for her willingness to be inconvenienced for the sake of those who need her and for your glory.
Amen
Blessings to you, Brave Hearted Woman!
Amen! Thank you so much, Michele!
Showing the love of the Savior to a child through serving shows the way of the gospel. The way you are loving and giving touches my heart. I pray God gives you strength and peace.
You are so sweet! I sure do appreciate your prayers!
What a great book title The Urgency of God!! Great post, Micah. Your neighbor at Jennifer’s.
Hmmm. You’re right. Maybe one day I’ll write it ;-). Thanks for dropping in, Susan!
Micah.
Wow, what a journey of love you have been called to!! Yes, we need to heed God’s urgency and leave our organized little plans on the back burner when He calls. Praying for you in this holy endeavor!!
Blessings,
Bev
So beautifully written! Thank you for sharing your journey with us and linking up at Mommy Moments. This was the top viewed link and will be featured in the link up this week. Congratulations! You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Thank you so much for featuring my post! I love Mommy Moments and appreciate your support! Thank you for your prayers!