This is the stuff

There's a blog coming about God's burden on my heart to "Get it Together."  About six months ago, he revealed me it was time to stop just going through the motions of life and to do a better job of taking care of myself and my family.  Giving my best by taking care of the top priorities with which I have been entrusted at 110 percent and weeding out what doesn't have to be there.  Learning to let him guide me with prioritizing my life and trusting him to help me to let go.

You know, things were going pretty well for a while.  I was seeing progress.  I was less stressed, taking more quality time for me and with my family.  Fast forward to two weeks ago.   My seasonal job (full time all year, overdrive in the spring) has kicked in full force.  So has basketball, 4-H, band, Hee Haw, church activities...Vertigo from a sinus infection, has left me feeling like I'm spinning just a bit faster than everyone else.  I have been just getting through the day, and the responsibilities piling higher and higher in the process.

A last minute school project in the mist of an insane week finally sent me over the edge. Why, when I was trying so hard, were things spinning out of control, again?

This morning I was blessed to hear Francesca Battistelli's new song "This Is The Stuff."   I laughed, and I cried at the lyrics.  Sometimes the "stuff" gets overwhelming in our lives, no matter how hard we try.  But the big lesson for me was not that "stuff" happens and its okay, it was the realization that in the midst of all the "stuff," my kids are watching my actions.  When the "stuff gets under my skin", they are observing my attitude.  I have the choice to let it get to me, or I can choose to show them how to gracefully handle the "stuff" that can drive you crazy.  To pray for God's direction in how to handle the situation, and the ability let go and let God lead. 

"Stuff" will happen.  "Stuff" is a byproduct of a fully blessed life.  Its how we handle the "stuff" that we are given that matters. 

Here's the lyrics to Francesca's song...I bet you too can relate!

I lost my keys in
the great unknown
And call me please 'Cuz I can't find my phone

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
 
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I'm running behind

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
 
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
 
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

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