How to Eat an Elephant

I have been so stressed out lately.  Deadlines hanging over my head, and programs that need written, camp meetings to be ready for, and reports that need put together.  I can name half a dozen things that need finished by the end of the week and I am not even close to prepared.  To make matters worse, I am a procrastinator.  (I prefer the term “works well under pressure”) As good as my intentions might be, I never seem to get to my project until the last possible minute.

Some days I am just OVERWHELMED by the amount of things on my to do list.

On these days I am reminded of a saying that my mother used to tell me.  I would complain about the amount of homework I had, or the amount of hay that needed unloaded, or how much laundry was left to do, I would want to give up!

She would say “Sarah, how do you eat an elephant?”  And I would answer grudgingly,  “One bite at a time.”   She would smile and chirp back “Yes, now get busy!”

There are oodles of verses that encourage me to not give up.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.

Isaiah 40:31 – But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. 

Psalm 28:7 – The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

It is my hope that if you are feeling overwhelmed, you will read these verses and become encouraged.  These verses not only tell us that we are being helped by God, but even more, we will run and not be weary, He will shield us, and our hearts will be exalted.  God doesn’t just want us to just get by, He wants us to be free!  Free of stress and worry.  And He wants to shield us from this world, so our hearts can be lightened.

Today I am going to try to remember that even though I my feel overwhelmed and my list may be long, I know that if I stay the course, and keep plugging along, my tasks will be accomplished.

Matthew West sings a song that is just awesome to remind us how God is the one who is supposed to be our strength.  check it out here.  Strong Enough

You must think I’m strong
To give me what I’m going through

Well forgive me if I’m wrong
But this looks like more than I can do on my own

I know I’m not strong enough to be everything that I’m supposed to be
I give up I’m not strong enough
Hands of mercy won’t you cover me, Lord right now I’m asking you to be
Strong enough for the both of us

And remember… “One bite at a time…”

Now, get busy!