Do What You're Called To Do

Do you ever feel overwhelmed because there is so much you WANT to do yet so much that you MUST do? 

I feel that way often. 

Right now, I have a job that's exactly where I'm supposed to be. However, it takes up the majority of my time and energy. Then there is so much yet to do just taking care of my own home - and all those boring-and-time-consuming adult responsibilities like buying groceries and paying bills. Fit in exercise, volunteering at church, getting enough sleep, having a little bit of a social life. Then there's marriage - I can't forget to invest in my marriage! Plus I have this obsession with writing - I have several books in my head that I want to write but don't have time for. Also, I like to read, and I relax by watching TV... 

HOW DO I FIT ALL THIS IN and get my laundry done too?

Well, other than strategically being very careful with my time and my commitments, here's what I've learned: I need to do what I'm called to do. I must focus on the things that God has put in my path and on my heart, prayerfully considering when to commit and when to say no.

Hebrews 12:1 tells me to fix my eyes on Jesus and run the race set before me. 

A guest preacher who came to our church in January exhorted us to not just run any race, and to not just run a good race, but to run THE race set before us. 

This year, as God has nudged me to PERSEVERE (you can read all about it in this blog post) I aim to intentionally do what He has called me to do.

1) Faith and marriage. My relationship with God and with my husband don't exclude the rest of the responsibilities in life, but honoring both God and my spouse need to be top priorities. 

2) Work. I have a unique job nannying for a family with 4 children. It's time and energy consuming, but it's where I'm supposed to be right now. (This Trader Joe's greeting card my cousin sent me years ago sits on my kitchen counter to remind me that I am exactly where I should be.)

3) Facilitating. I lead a writer's group and have just begun an infertility support group, both loacted here in the DC suburbs. I have no doubt that God has called me to pour into both of these things, so I want to lead well.

4) Writing. I have no doubt that God has called me to write, so I'll continue to type out blog posts and endless Facebook posts while working on books at the same time. This is my passion, and it's also my way of processing the life that God has given me. (You can read all about it in my first two publications: Embracing Hope During Infertility, and Seasons: A Picture Book, a book that reminds me to turn my eyes toward God who is always, always good.)

5) Self-care. Without sufficient sleep I'm not very clear-headed or nice. So I do try to get enough sleep every night that I possibly can. I also am learning to intentionally rest. I also want to be fit and healthy, so exercise must fit into my day. I ask God for wisdom to strategically fit all these pieces together. 

This might seem like a big list (or maybe you find it boring!), but it's my list of what I am called to focus on right now. Extravagant travel or vacations are not my agenda at the moment. A beautifully decorated and perfectly clean home aren't happening today. I can't be part of every group or activity that I want to. I can't travel as freely as I'd like. 

Maybe you need to step back as well, to take an inventory of your time and resources, to focus on the things that God would have you focus on right now. Don't spread yourself so thin that you're exhausted and unhealthy. Don't say "yes" to every opportunity without pausing to pray and consider. Remember to run the race that is set before you - not just any race, but the race that God has put before you. 

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Hi, I’m Betsy Herman, and I live in the Washington, D.C. area with my husband, Mike. We have been married

Photo Credit:
Karen Saunders Photography

since 2008. We enjoy exploring new cities together on foot, eating at our favorite Italian restaurants, and doing life as a team.

I published my first book Embracing Hope During Infertility in January 2015, and my second Seasons: A Picture Book was published in November 2016. Although this book is intended for children, if you’re still in a barren season like I am, I think that Seasons will encourage you with a glimpse of God’s goodness.

I would love for you to connect with me by following my Hope During Infertility Facebook page and my Betsy Herman, Writer Facebook page. I occasionally tweet as well.

Thanks so much for reading my posts!