Too Much Vacation?

 If you're like most people, you look forward to and treasure vacation time. Me, too. (Being a homeschooling mom and a stained glass artist right now means that EVERY day is a bit like a vacation!) My husband recently took two weeks off from his job at the Mayo Clinic. We spent part of the time at home and part of the time in Milwaukee with extended family. It was a well-deserved break from work for him and a lot of fun for all of us!

We slept a little later, exercised a little later, ate a little later, and stayed up a little later. It was FUN! Our preschool-aged daughter enjoyed the break in routine, too. I worked on some glass, but for

 

 the most part, I took a break from routine, as well.

TOO much of a break. Partway through the time, I realized I was being irritable. I chalked it up to changes in routine and the fact that we were preparing to put our house on the market. A little stressful, but that was only a bit of the problem.

We loved visiting Milwaukee, and my irritability lessened. I found myself being very patient with a preschooler in an art museum. I was just fine, after all. Spending time with Grandma and Grandpa and cousins and siblings was a blast! I was only slightly irritated by the inconveniences of traveling.

 When we returned home, we still had a few days of vacation left. Good, I thought! Now we can finish all the stuff that didn't get done before. And the irritability returned with a vengeance. What was wrong with me!??

I spent some time late one evening contemplating that question while I was supposedly sleeping. I prayed that God would reveal my underlying issue(s) and almost instantly I realized that my change in routine had totally eliminated my daily time for prayer and reading the Bible.

Duh.

I set my alarm for a little earlier the next morning, got up, read and prayed. My life did not get magically easier; the little irritants did not disappear from my day. However, my ability to handle them was magnified immensely because I was no longer depending on my OWN ability, but upon God's.

Today, our house is officially on the market. It looks good enough, and I didn't make myself (or my husband!) crazy over it. Today, I finished three "Risen!" pieces (shown on left side) for Easter orders, and they were easier and more fun than last week's works. Today, I remember that it is not about being strong enough to do it all, but being purposeful in prayer and study of the Bible and depending upon Him who promises that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us.

Amen.

P.S. If you're interested in purchasing "Risen!" it is $35.00, plus tax and shipping (if necessary). If you want to special order a certain type or color of glass, it is $45.00, plus tax and shipping. Each piece is 8x8 inches and has rings for hanging.