Niki Anderson ~ Author & Speaker

“But I’ve already cut out

a lot of things!”

       It’s the plaintive cry of the over-committed—those dismayed by the load they carry. I’ve heard the refrain from my own mouth when I’ve slipped into a season of self-imposed demands.

       In last week’s blog I promised to address this first of eight frustrations expressed by those struggling to slim down a weighty schedule.

       There’s a solution. And some solutions, like this one, leave no room for flexibility. The answer to the dilemma comes from a stubborn advisor with a single piece of advice. Wisdom folds his arms, looks us squarely in the eyes and says, “Narrow your playing field—like it or not.”

       One year amid too many roles, I took his advice. I found a replacement for my quarterly college position, and I didn’t renew membership in a professional organization or in a hobby club I loved.

       Like me, few of us need a counselor to corner the culprit that’s usurping time. In 15 minutes of honest scrutiny, most people can pinpoint what commitments drain their energy and hours. If you’ve “already cut out a lot,” keep cutting. Drop the surplus—like it or not.

       “So,” you plead, “how do I decide what to strip from crowded days?” Examine your expectations, routines, and calendar. Retain commitments God has assigned for that season of your life; cut lose from electives that impinge upon primary involvements.  

       February arrives with heart-shaped necklaces from jewelers and chocolate ads from confectioners. But a love admonition from the heart of God endures all year long. “Love your neighbor as (you love) yourself.”

       “Love myself?” Self-effacing, servant-minded people question even a hint at this suggestion. Niggling at the mind is the dark thought that the less we do, the less God loves us.

       But why would God cherish us more for frenetic juggling of committees, hobbies and services? Is he desperate for helpers? Will his eternal plan fail if we withdraw our membership, cancel a trip, or tell someone, “No, I’m sorry I can’t”? Loving yourself has a distinct look. It’s the person who’s lightening the load in appropriate self-love.

       Wrapping our minds around the fact of God’s love inspires the confidence to reduce the excessive busy-ness that tips our balance in dis-favor of peace, joy, and effectiveness. Though you’ve “already cut out a lot,” keep slashing—like it or not.

       The consolations abound. The margin of time you create allows for divine intrusions on our schedules we could never have expected and wouldn’t want to miss--opportunities to help, invitations to accept, ideas to pursue, rest breaks to enjoy, or the luxury to catch-up on work or play. Margin offers the sweet gift of discretionary time.

       Ask God to temper your zeal with his wisdom. You'll like it, more than not.

“It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.”  Proverbs 19:2 NIV

February site content: On the MEOW-cellaneous page are pictures of your cats; On the About Cats page is info and news: “The Cats of Venice” and “Stickers that Save Your Cat’s Life.”

Where I'm speaking: Waterford on south hill, 2929 S. Waterford Dr. (one block south of 29th Ave.) in the lobby at 2:00 pm on Monday, Feb. 8.

Harvard Park Retirement Residence, 3616 E. 30th Ave. at 3:30 pm on Wed., Feb. 10.

Cat Art: French impressionist, Auguste-Pierre Renoir, painted “Woman with a Cat” in 1875. I own a cherished print from a big-box-store which hangs in my living room. The cat looks remarkably like Claw-dia, our Maine Coon, and the woman resembles my daughter. Even others have noticed. How fun is that?

Copyright 2010, Niki Anderson; request permission