That’s what I like to call it anyway. 
You see, about a month ago, I had these feelings of being completely overwhelmed with life. So much of my life feels like responsibility these days. And yet, there is no real ability to be free from it.
For example, the day that I was having this said, “meltdown”, I am talking to Jason about it all and crying. The kids walk in the room and start saying, “Mommy. I’m hungry. Can you fix me something to eat?” To which I turn to Jason and say, “Point proven! Did they come in here and say, ‘Daddy’? No, they said mommy.”
I think I am realizing that I “own” a lot of things in my life. Whether that ownership is placed on me or not. I have this horrible problem of not wanting anything to fail – an idea, relationships, my parenting skills (HA!), health, etc. Which then throws me into the whole control problem. I can’t possibly let things just “come as they may”. What if it fails? There must be some way I can make it work or make it better or whatever the thing is.
But, I am seeing it clearer now. That is why I am even able to write about it. Maybe it will serve as an encouragement if you can relate.
You see, God is getting me to a point of focusing more on Him. Afterall, when you are busy controlling everything, there isn’t much time for God. And honestly, there is a trust issue there as well. Will He really work such and such out? Don’t I need to do my part? If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.
Those are all the lies I hear in my head. Which gets me to these places in life where I feel overwhelmed.
The past couple of weeks have been good. We have been in and out of town. Lots of relaxing times and fun times. Time to just be away from the normal responsibilities and pressures of life. It has been really nice! I am just hoping that I can stick with the whole “trusting God, looking to Him, allowing Him to show me what I need to do, etc”. It will be really difficult for me these next few weeks because we are about to embark on changes. Natalie will be starting Kindergarten, and Nicholas will be starting Pre-K. But hopefully I can remain focused on God, and remember to invite Him into this change and seek Him for direction!
7 Comments
August 3, 2008 at 11:06 pm
[...] disappointments, unmet desires, feelings of being overwhelmed etc. I even had what I like to call a “responsibility meltdown.” I loved the fact that Mike not only acknowledged that it is valid to feel that way sometimes, but [...]
August 4, 2008 at 8:40 am
Thanks for sharing this. I’m glad you had some time to back away, reflect, and recharge.
August 4, 2008 at 10:39 pm
so so so so so well said. thank you for this! your family is beautiful! and your heart is, too!
August 6, 2008 at 12:24 am
I’m glad you’re doing better. and that you’re trusting God more. It’s hard trying to be in control of everything.
August 8, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Jill! Thanks for sharing… Can totally relate
August 9, 2008 at 8:53 am
Thanks for sharing that. I am right there with ya! I know this is kind of “cheesy” but I try to keep telling myself the old “LET GO, LET GOD” phrase. He handles all the responsibility way better than me!
September 3, 2008 at 9:17 pm
[...] picture of exactly where my thoughts have been lately in regards to my own life. You may recall my Responsibility Meltdown. Even just last night, I heard a woman say that you are either in survival mode or successful mode [...]