Nice to be Needed?

Can you guys at least
get in a single file line?

Lately, I've been feeling a bit needed lately. It seems like no matter where I go: home, work, church - even with friends - I'm being asked to do something. Everyone needs me. You do this so well... Yours always is right... I wouldn't even know where to begin... You're so creative...

I mean, it's nice to know that people recognize your strengths, but I haven't had the chance to relax and just be! I can't sit and chill without fulfilling some request first it seems.

As a result, I haven't been my usual self. And I find complaints slipping out of my mouth on a more regular basis. Plus, a lot of what I'm being asked to do is not being done with the right attitude. I realize I need to take a step back and look at the example of Jesus.

Jesus was the man. No matter where he went, crowds showed up. They were ever-present with their questions to be answered, their sick that needed to be healed, their demons that needed to be cast out, their spirits that needed to be enriched. And even when Jesus was able to get away from the crowds, he had to deal with the questions from his disciples.

Yet Jesus knew what was necessary to retain His sanity. He would take time away to Himself to pray with the Father. (Matthew 14:22, John 6:15) He also served from a position of love. Even when he was tired, he was moved with compassion by all who came to Him for help. (Matthew 9:36, Mark 6:34)

If I stay in right relationship with the Father, I can be constantly reminded that my life is not my own. I am not here to serve my own wants, but I am here to serve on God's behalf. If I remind myself of the love that He has for me, I can show that same love to all the people that look to me for help whether it's a small or large request.

It may take me a minute to fully grasp this truth, but I will definitely try. I don't want to turn into a mean old lady. Plus, I want to live a life of love. Jesus is my example, and if He was able to deal with all the demands on His life and still be filled with compassion, I can at least make the effort to do so as well.

Pray my strength...

Verse of the Day: And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14:14