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This is the time of year where it is so easy for me to get swept up in the schedule of events, and I’m sure it is the same for you. We get busy making lists, checking calendars and making sure we don’t offend anyone by saying no. At times it can feel like survival mode. Just get the next thing done. Just make sure everyone is happy. Just survive. But what if we took some time to think about why we are doing what we are doing? Is everything I’m doing completely necessary? Is this God’s best plan for me? I tend to have such a narrow focus when it comes to my life…and I wonder why I feel anxious half the time.

You may or may not have noticed that this post is a little later than what has been my norm so far. I find I have the most free time on the weekends so, for now, I have used that time to write and tell you my story. This past weekend I decided to use that time to just relax, be with my family and breathe. I can’t tell you how refreshed I feel today! For two days we stayed around the house and I was able to work on some creative projects for my bedroom, including my writing space. I’m not quite done so I’m going to wait before I post pictures to show you, but the main idea I want to convey today is: Think about what makes you thrive. Take some time to escape the craziness and devote some time to YOU. Even if all you can get right now is 15 minutes, take it! Even if it means saying no to someone, say it! Taking care of ourselves and spending time letting Him fill us, is crucial to our growth and effectiveness. If we could glimpse even a fraction of  His plan for our days and our life, I am convinced we would be dumbfounded. When I take time to reflect on some of the areas of my life that turned out differently than I expected, His result was so much better. What if we trusted God with the results more? What if our decisions encompassed God’s will each and every time? The results would be astounding, I’m sure! We would then be spending our lives thriving instead of surviving.

The next time you sit with God think about what it means to thrive:

Thrive: to grow or develop successfully; to flourish or succeed

Now ask yourself:
1. Am I thriving or surviving?
2. Which areas of my life am I trying to grow in my own power? Do I need to let go of these or do I need to let God grow them?
3. Where am I seeing success in my life?
4. Which areas of success make me come alive? Am I spending time in these areas?
5. How has God gifted me? Am I using those gifts?
6. Is honoring God with my time more important than pleasing others?

God wants us to flourish! He loves us more than we can imagine. If we let that thought permeate our mind this season, the anxiety will melt away, we will rest in His power and we will thrive!