A conversation and a few emails was all it took to convince me many were going through difficulties. Life has become full of stresses, situations trying our strength and abilities to cope on a daily basis.
As I listen I hear about fragmented relationships, financial woes, unemployment, sick children, work overload, and physical exhaustion. Thankfully not from the same person or that truly would be more than any one person could bear.
I hear her say, “I just can’t take anymore. I feel like I am at the edge sometimes.”
It seems life has become a series of stresses compounded upon one another. I hear myself saying to her, “Life is just one hurdle after another.”
And just like that thoughts begin to click ….
Hurdles, as defined in an old English dictionary, is “one of a number of light barriers over which runners leap in certain events; an obstacle to be overcome.” {{And yes, if you read my post yesterday, I do think God has me thinking about overcoming this week 🙂 }}.
But notice – it is “one of a number of light barriers”. It is “an obstacle to overcome.” Do you see it? It is a singular barrier or obstacle.
Our problem seems to come when we make it plural. When we’re jumping through multiple hoops, juggling several balls, or jumping over all the hurdles. Here’s what it comes down to ….
(**credit)
We need to remind ourselves to take care of one thing at a time. Take care of today.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34, NLT)
** Meme was created by Lisa Coleman.
Today I am joining with … Tell His Story and Wedded Wednesday and Works For Me and Coffee & Conversation and Winsome Wed. and Three Word Wed. and Woman to Woman Wed. .
Love this – especially the quote and picture! One hurdle at a time.
Thank you, Kathryn. I think we so need the reminder – one at a time. Life becomes more manageable that way.
Taking care of one thing at a time definitely makes one feel less stressed.
It truly does, Colline. And then we can see progress as we complete one thing after another.
What an important reminder for an obsessive multitasker such as myself! Thank you :). I get overwhelmed by my ridiculous list every morning but I just need to take one “hurdle” at a time.
I think we need the reminder more often than we’d like, Candace 🙂 But as we see one thing after another crossed after our “to do” list, we realize the sense of progress.
My daughter is jumping hurdles in gym class and she was surprised to learn that the runner is not penalized for knocking over hurdles. If you don’t clear the hurdles it slows you down but you aren’t punished or disqualified. I thought that sounded prophetic!
Laura, I love that you brought out that point. Yesterday I was on youtube & there were several videos of people who failed at jumping the hurdles, some falling down. It made me realize there will always be those who delight in the fall but how much better to have at least tried. It’s so good to see you again. I did miss you!
My friend says, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” I like the hurdle analogy better. 🙂 Regardless, it’s so true. One moment. One project. One conversation. One thing at a time. I’m glad you linked up at my place for Three Word Wednesday.
We can only do what He has put before us for today. It’s wonderful to join you, Kristin!
This is great! Jumping over too many hurdles sets you up for a bad fall…one at a time, that’s the ticket. Thank you.:) Stopping by from Meredith’s link-up.
Now to remind ourselves the next time several hurdles are within our sight 🙂
“Doing the next thing” always works for me!!!
Yes. And also, leaving something & coming back to it a little later. Funny how things can seem different then.
Great insight here! You are right, one thing at a time. I’m so quick to only see the pile of mess that becomes my life, instead of taking each trial as the blessing it could be and using it to strengthen me for the next. Thank you for linking up at #woman2woman today!
The pile always seem unsurmountable. But each task by itself, so much more manageable. I’m glad to have joined you today!
Exactly! Just. One. Thing. at. a. Time. is so much easier than leap over that pile of problems. Thanks for the refocus! I can get my pile of stuff done–but only if I tackle it one thing at a time!
We’ll be better able to focus and manage as we look at the one instead of it all. Just the one!
Oh I love this Joanne… the visual is so good because honestly, how often do we only see one hurdle at a time? No – we usually see them stacked and in a row… but taking them one at a time, they are way less intimdating and much more doable! Love that we are neighbors over at Jennifers’ place today for #TellHisStory
It is so true the hurdles are usually stacked. But I am finding, they truly are doable as they are taken individually, We may even amaze ourselves as He enables us to get over more easily than we ever expected 🙂 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
“Take Care of Today” that really touched me!
Today is all we have, Jenny 🙂 May you & yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
This reminds me of a poem Elisabeth Elliot loved when she overwhelmed with the future, “Do the Next Thing.” 🙂
I am so grateful you mentioned that poem, Dianne, as I had never heard of it. What a blessing! As you can see, I shared it as soon as I read it 🙂 May you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Great illustration, Joanne! I’ll have to remember that one and give you the credit when I do! Thanks for the way you’ve been a caring place for many to turn. Even though the internet has given Satan a field day at times, God is also multiplying its impact through His servants … servants like you! I hope you feel His pleasure over you today, my friend! Hugs!
Thank you, Beth. The graphic was a joint effort between my words & my daughter’s abilities 🙂 May you & your family have a most blessed Thanksgiving!
Such wise advice and words I try to remember often – doing the next thing. It is often easier said then done, especially, as you said, in this world of moving and doing at increasing speeds. Thank you for sharing – blessed to be stopping by from #tellhisstory.
I am so glad you shared as it made me realize this – – just because the world is moving at increasing speed, does not mean I need to. May I heed His call to “be still”. May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Great analogy! One hurdle, one at a time. Yes!
Yes & I am finding myself grateful for the space, or time, in between each hurdle 🙂 Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
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