Making the Cut

Before I began my day, Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit and I had a meaningful time. (Maybe it’ll turn into a blog post sometime.) Later, I had a little “me” time after I mixed up a double batch of Butterhorn rolls. I shopped at Peebles while the dough doubled in bulk, and found some new tops I liked. That was fun. Then I stopped at Food Lion for a few groceries on the way home.

I reflected on my recent decision to cut some things out of my busy life—too busy, per my heavenly Father’s words. And He was right. He has been at work in my heart to come aside from the hustle and bustle of “could and should.” Besides the normal busyness of keeping the gears of my household well-oiled, I’m also publishing a cookbook, writing a blog, interacting on social media, attending Women’s Life every Tuesday and leading a small group with my husband at church early Sunday mornings and have been attending three writer’s group meetings per month. And I don’t even work outside the home, like many women do in this high-pressure, Northern Virginia, traffic-clogged area.

Monday a week ago as I sat in my rocking chair in the living room, with ice on my lower back, I felt the warm fellowship of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I felt a strong desire to rest and simplify my life, and sensed Father saying I’ve been too busy. I basked in His warmth as He gently drew me to prioritize my life’s activities.

I decided to cut out my writer’s meetings and scheduled writing assignments—at least for now. I felt a sense of relief and peace about that decision. I arrived at a point of truth where I realized I no longer wrote because I enjoyed writing, but to fulfill the expectations of others. And it also meant more nights away from home, hurrying with dinner preparations and eating, and then coming home to a messy kitchen I had to clean up before I could go to bed.

I’ve since talked to some stressed-out women who would also like to simplify their lives, but say they fear disappointing or angering others, or would miss their friends too much, or believe if they quit, things would fall apart for their friends. I can relate, because I used to be there, too, but I feel sorry for the tight spot they’re in. Everything doesn’t depend on “ME.” May they find the freedom to make a cut where necessary.

Oh, yeah, a year ago, Father also instructed me to do a certain thing two days a week, and for a couple of months now, I’ve also cut out two days a week on Facebook. Making the cut isn’t always easy or fun.

My mind went to a poem I wrote five years ago in 2011 on October 27, my daughter Deb’s birthday, in fact. I leafed through my hand-written book of poetry until I found it. I thought it fit this blog post nicely, and maybe this poem describes you. 

Diary of a Mad Housewife

Clean the house, scrub the floor,

Wipe those smudges off the door.

Do the laundry, take out trash,

Clean the sink, then make a dash

To the grocery store, and then

Come back home and call a friend.

“My life’s so busy,” you complain;

“My husband really is a pain!

My kids—they drive me up a wall.

I don’t like my life at all!

It’s time for me; where’s my career?

I want fulfillment—can’t you hear?

My life’s a mess. What did you say?

I gotta run—I can’t delay.

I’ll miss that sale at T.J. Maxx

If I don’t hurry up and act!

Run, run, run, that’s all I do.

I wonder where I put my shoes. . .”

Let me counsel this harried housewife to stop, forget her shoe search, and instead, reach for her Bible, turn off her cell phone, turn off the TV, the radio, or whatever else she’s got going on. I’d tell her to quiet her mind, ask her heavenly Father some questions, and let Him talk to her. He has all the answers, you know.

May you experience peace and quiet as Father draws your heart toward Home.

Copyright © 2016 Elaine Beachy