Traveling Light

Recently I’ve been feeling overwhelmed as I think about all that lies before Justin and I–with various ministry opportunities, work, long-term missions, and other day-to-day responsibilities.  I become discouraged, wishing I could do more, have more time, be more prepared, and the list could go on.  Often when these anxious feelings come, I resign myself to my discouraging thoughts and don’t end up finishing what I am called to do at that moment.

Something that my mom would often say when I was younger was, “do the next thing.”  This was a quote she remembered and held onto from an Elizabeth Elliot book she had read.  She explained that when you don’t know what to do, you just do the next thing, and trust the Lord for the rest.  This wise council echoes Matthew 6:33-34.

   “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

I pray that next time these thoughts come, I will not become overwhelmed.  Rather, by God’s grace, may I be faithful and obedient in that moment.  Really, that’s what this life is made up of: thousands of moments.  As I look ahead to a life-time of serving my Savior may I be faithful in this moment trusting Him for the many to come. 

And now I shall return to what this moment holds for me as I do the next thing– cleaning the shower and making dinner :)