Stress and Joy

I've been away from my blog for the past two weeks because of various reasons.  My laptop seems to have picked up a virus, I've been stessing about work, and now I've misplaced my Fitbit. I've been losing things a lot lately.  I think it's because I'm juggling a little too much and getting distracted.  Focus is my word for next week!

You might have noticed the name of this post is Stress and Joy. How can I have joy when there is so much stress? Well I've found that most joy comes by spending time with my family and my friends.  They are absolute gifts from above! This weekend has been extra busy with a concert one night and a fireworks show the next night, but most enjoyable because of time spent with others.  

I often go back to Ecclesiastes 3 when I think of "my people:. I share my ups and downs with them and I'm so thankful for the joy that brings.  

Ecclesisates 3:4;6  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

Find What's Best

I am in the midst of my two busiest work weeks of the year. Trying to get financial aid on students' accounts before they get late fees or get dropped turns into really long days working so intently that you know the pace can't continue. It's just too much!

On the way to work Monday I was listening to the song "Breathe" by Johnny Diaz. Some of the lyrics caught my attention.

There's gotta be something more to this crazy life
I'm hanging on tight to another wild day
When it starts to fall apart in my heart I hear you say just

Breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at my feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need

Is to take it in, fill your lungs
The peace of God that overcomes
Just breathe (just breathe)
let your weary spirit rest
Lay down what's good and find what's best

I've heard this song so many times, but the last line here really caught my attention. I wonder if I'm doing what I should be doing when it comes to working. Yes, it's a good job and I am able to do good for others. But am I doing my best; is this what I should be doing; does it take too much time from family; is it affecting my health? Just some things to contemplate this year.

Numbers 18:29 You must present as the Lord's portion the best and holiest part of everything given to you. (NIV)