October 1, 2014

It's Our Choice: Peace or Stress?

I found myself stressing tonight after getting home from a family dinner, due to my house being in complete disarray.  Travis and I decided to move our vinyl business and home office to the garage, which left behind a disorganized mess in our dining room, with piles of junk everywhere:

As you can see from the picture, we have been so focused on the business and getting the garage in order, that our house has suffered as a result.  Lucas has no clean nice jeans and Travis is running low on clean underwear.  We have so many piles of paperwork on our table that we can't have a sit-down meal without moving items first.  I have a to-do-list so long that I know I can't get it all done in one full day, so tasks stay on there for weeks at a time.

I made a conscious decision tonight, though.  I am choosing to be at peace, rather than becoming unglued and stress out.  I came across a few verses that struck me and softened my heart:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let you hearts be troubled."  ~John 14:27

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, perfect, and pleasing will."  ~Romans 12:2

"Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.  For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.  Nothing you desire can compare with it."  ~Proverbs 8:9-11

The world tells us that our house should be ready for guests at any time and we should have nice decor.  Our children should be dressed in the nicest clothes and should be well mannered all the time.  We should be active in the community and say yes to every opportunity.  That's what the world says.
However, after spending some time in the Word, I've noticed what we as followers of Jesus Christ should really be pursuing: Peace rather than busyness, wisdom rather than possessions, His perfect Will rather than our own selfish desires.  The Bible says in John that we shouldn't let our hearts be troubled, meaning that we can choose to be peaceful rather than stressed.

Tonight, I came home and immediately went into a frenzy to get our house in order, rather than appreciating the time with Travis and Lucas.  I put my desire to be perfectly organized over everything else, including the actual needs of my family.  My house may be messy tonight, but I'm going to go spend quality time with my husband.  I'm making a choice to be peaceful rather than stressed.

I would love to hear your opinions about this topic. How do you handle day-to-day demands and to-do-lists, on top of juggling family life and work?    How are you able to be peaceful in the midst of stressful situations?!  Feel free to comment below!

Good night dear friends!

Much love,
Alicia