Thankful Thursday-A Season of Busy

This month's Thankful Thursday hostess, Iris at Grace Alone, wrote about being thankful for a new season of busy-ness in her photography business.

I found it interesting that she would be thankful for being busy because so many people nowadays are always saying that being busy is a bad thing. In fact, my friends and loved ones are often saying to me, "You're too busy.  You need to slow down."  My favorite admonition comes from my hubby, "You're going to fall over if you don't get some rest." Thanks, Honey!

It is true that we need to monitor our activities.  A lot of stress could be avoided if we "just said no."  I am going to work on that, really, I am ...

But like Iris, I can find things to be thankful for in a busy season.  First, it means you're needed!  How many people are there who would love for someone to need them to do something?

People need to be needed!  One thing I've learned in working with the church all these years is that rarely do you get volunteers.  Most people feel that their talents are not good enough for whatever project you've got going.  They might think, "I would like to help with that class (or party or whatever) but Sister So and So could do a much better job than I could ever do..." However, if you come to them and say, "We could really use your help.  I know you would be great at helping us," they are more willing to give it a try.

Secondly, I really feel that is scriptural to be busy.  I may be wrong, but I don't see that we should be idle.  If you know a scripture to support taking it easy, please let me know! This morning, I happened to read this scripture:   "Continue to do good" 1 Peter 4:19.  Elisabeth Elliot says she thinks this scripture means "just do the next thing."

If you are in a season of busy and feeling overwhelmed, just keep doing the next thing. Prioritize, then start with the most important and work on that. Once that's done, do the next most important thing, and so on. If you never get to the last thing on the list, at least the vital things were accomplished.

I am so thankful that I recently came through a busy season.  Two months ago, my daughter became engaged.  The happy couple wanted to get married while the groom was on leave - in two months!

I had never had a child get married before.  Being the procrastinator that I am, I waited a few weeks to really get down to doing what needed to be done! I am so blessed that my son-in-law's family was very good to help do a lot of the work.

It all worked out well, with very few glitches.  I am thankful the kids did not ask for a big fancy wedding.  Simple worked out best with our timeline.

Next came Thanksgiving.  I was so excited that my mother, sister and nephew were able to stay after the wedding to share Thanksgiving with us.  It was the first time in 34 years that I had someone from my side of the family present at our Thanksgiving table!

Then the following weekend, the kids needed their furniture delivered to the base in Oklahoma.  Always willing to help, we joined up with Daniel's parents to drive a loaded trailer out to them.

Whew!  I feel tired just typing about it.  But also, I feel so thankful!  What if I had no children to give a wedding? Or no family to cook for on Thanksgiving? No reason to travel across a couple states and see a new home established?

God has blessed me mightily with my family, friends, and areas of ministry! I am so grateful!

Janae and Daniel cutting their wedding cake - a cake made with love by his mother and aunt!

(I will post more wedding pictures tomorrow!)

To read other thankful hearts, visit December's TT hostess, Iris at Grace Alone.