Have you ever had a thought that continued to linger, even when you tried to push it away? Have you ever sensed that God wanted you to do something, but you were hesitant to follow through with it? Several months ago, this happened to me. I kept sensing that I needed to create more margin in my life…more space…more time to rest and to recharge. As a teacher, I easily spend around 50 hours per week doing school-related tasks. I love my job, but I also love to volunteer. Serving in various roles in children's and women’s ministries has always been something I’ve been passionate about. But months ago, I started to feel a little restless. Two serving roles that once brought me excitement and joy started to feel overwhelming and stressful. I thought the feelings would go away, but as time went by, the feelings intensified. For about 2 months, I questioned God why I was feeling this way. I had served in these roles for years, and they were for a ministry that I love and I’m still passionate about. Every time I prayed about it, I got the same answer - I sensed God wanted me to step away from these two volunteer roles in order to create more margin in my life. Even though I knew God was calling me to do this, it was still difficult to follow His prompting. I was the only one serving in these positions, and I knew I was supposed to continue serving until these roles could be filled by someone else. I realized this could take several months, but I wanted to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. Because of this, before I shared with anyone what I felt called to do, I started praying that God would provide the right people for these positions…people who are skilled and knowledgeable and who are also passionate about the ministry. When I finally followed through on God’s prompting and shared that I needed to start transitioning out of these two volunteer roles, I experienced a great amount of peace, and my words were met with love, support, and appreciation. We started to develop a transition plan. We are still in the midst of that transition plan, and I can already see how God is answering the prayers I prayed months ago. Stepping away from these roles has allowed others to step in and use their gifts and talents. Creating margin isn’t easy, but I’m learning that for my emotional and physical well-being, it’s necessary. Your calendar doesn’t have to be completely full in order to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. And if you’re like me and you enjoy volunteering, consider if you’re serving in your “sweet spot.” If you’re not excited and passionate about serving in a role, then maybe that role is meant for someone else. Try different roles until you find one that you enjoy. Serving should be fun. Work is important. Serving is important. But so is taking time to rest, have fun, and to build relationships with others. Look for ways to create margin in your life. Embrace empty space on your calendar. If God created the world in 6 days and then rested, shouldn’t we make rest a priority too?
6 Comments
Mary Ellen Collins
4/27/2019 10:04:56 am
Love your words Julie and I also love you. You are such a wonderful gift!
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Julie
4/28/2019 09:08:13 pm
Thanks Mary Ellen! I love you too!
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Diane Z
5/1/2019 12:57:59 pm
Great blog, Julie. I totally agree with you that God wants us to serve in our sweet spots. He created us with unique talents and abilities and allows particular experiences to shape us for serving Him. Just because something was our passion at one time or is a great thing, doesn't mean God wants us there forever. Very wise words of encouragement from you today! Keep writing!
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Julie
5/1/2019 10:49:53 pm
Thanks for your encouragement, Diane! I've also noticed that many times the roles I'm serving in help prepare me for a future role. It's so neat when I'm able to look back and see those connections.
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Lisa Mathias
5/4/2019 05:38:20 pm
Way to listen to God. You are an inspiring woman of God!
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Julie
5/4/2019 09:48:33 pm
Lisa, it's obvious to me that both you and your husband also love to serve. You two make a great team!
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