A Key Component to Warding Off the Grinch

This month I’m writing about experiencing peace right where we find ourselves. And we’re finding ourselves in the busiest season of all.

If we’re not careful, we’ll quickly end up far from where we want to be. Ragged. Worn out. Flustered. Far from loving and peace filled.

I know the feeling too well. As a recovering doer, notorious for burning the candle at both ends, I still struggle with overscheduling. One day I’m weaving a healthy balance into my activities, the next I’m struggling just to come up for air.

Cultivating a Generous Spirit

But in this dance I am learning an important principle: Nothing good comes out of an overwhelmed soul.

Nothing good comes out of an overwhelmed soul. Share on X

After all …

How can I see a need, much less meet a need, if I’m too tired to open my eyes?

How can I pour out my best onto others, when my best is buried under exhaustion and busyness?

How can I share God’s love if I’m not still with Him long enough to be filled with it first?

It’s ironic that at a time of year when our focus is on giving and serving, we find ourselves too depleted to do either with joy and peace. Instead we find our spirit of generosity transformed into one of obligation.

At a time of yr when our focus is on giving & serving, we find ourselves too depleted to do either with joy & peace. Share on X

Serving takes time, and I want to be generous with my time. Yet weaving in margin is essential for fully living and healthy giving.

So I’m learning to ask several questions of each day’s assignments.

1. Am I doing this to glorify God or to affirm me?
2. Is this something that is truly my assignment?
3. In the big picture does doing this really matter?
4. Should this be rescheduled?

Warding Off the Grinch

When I fail to heed the answers, I always regret it.

A generous spirit flows from a peace-filled one. When peace is wanting in my life, the Grinch makes his appearance.

When peace is wanting in my life, the Grinch makes his appearance. Thus, margin is essential for fully living and healthy giving. Share on X

And he’s the last one this Jesus-loving girl wants to entertain.

“For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

Reflections: What’s your biggest obstacle to living generously? 

I am always thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday and this week’s prompt, “a generous spirit.” I love these special linkups. They provide an abundance of great inspiration and encouragement all in one place. Click on the image below or link above to check them out.