Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by the things that you need to do and yet you have not started anything? You stare at your calendar and “To do list” then you realize that you have a lot of commitments. Weekdays and weekends are fully loaded, and everything requires your full attention. Sometimes it becomes so tiring that you can no longer give your 100% best. In the past few weeks, I was bombarded with tasks from the many things I committed to—my full-time and part-time jobs, personal projects, and to the service I volunteered in a Catholic charismatic community of Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon. At first, I thought I just needed to manage my time well to accomplish everything. I was doing fine and felt good being busy. I had this notion before that being busy means being productive and successful. Until one day, I got exhausted because of the demands required from me all at the same time. My conflicting schedules pushed me to postpone the prior commitments to attend to a more important one. Being too occupied prevented me from giving my all and full attention. As I browse my messenger, I realized I have not connected for quite some time to the people I love— my family and friends. There were unread messages that I should have responded to, and I wasn’t able to spend quality time which I usually do. Above all, I realized how being too occupied with many things is affecting the most important of all— my time with God. One Tuesday night after a long day, I paused and seek God in prayer. I poured out all my exhaustion and listened to the Gospel songs. I knew it was the break I needed. No words were spoken, but I felt my soul attuning to God’s healing presence. Putting aside all concerns, I felt these words being spoken to my heart: “Do not overwhelm yourself with so many things. Rest tonight and regain your strength tomorrow. You have to realize that it is not effective all the time to do many things at the same time. You cannot have many commitments. Choose well. The key to growth is focus. Do things one at a time. Not all opportunities that knock are for you. You have to discern well. Consider your time, talent, resources and your time to recharge. Know your limits. Doing many things at the same time could be overwhelming and lacks focus. Productivity is not always about quantity. It’s also about the quality.” This gives me an affirmation to know my priorities and to let go of some commitments. Doing a lot of things doesn’t mean that you are productive or successful. It is important to know when to say “Yes” and when to say “No”. It will also help when you define your goal and purpose to what you do, so that you will have direction and something that you could go back and hold on to when the going gets tough. There are three important points I want to share with you as I reflect on the inspired message that was conveyed. One at a time. There is so much wisdom if you ponder on this. Envisioning a dream is exciting but still, it is about proper timing. There is always time for everything. Define your priorities and it will be easier which among all things should be done first. Knowing what is important and setting an order will help to become effective and efficient. Discern well. Considering your time, talents, passion, and purpose before making a decision is a wise thing to do. It will save you from a lot of unnecessary burdens. Knowing your strengths is as important as knowing your limits to avoid getting inundated. Pause and pray. Listen to where your heart is being led. Focus. The key to growth is “focus”. As they say, you can do anything you set your mind to. But whatever you focus on with your time and energy, it expands and flourishes. To focus on a particular thing means being committed which requires giving your all and undivided attention. After recalling my purpose and defining my priorities, I have finally let go of some commitments which allow me to focus on fewer things. Though this could mean losing some earnings, it is a relief to have more time that enables me to give my 100% best and full attention to what truly matters. I had a sense of peace knowing that things were finally simplified, and I am now focusing on my mission. It should be noted the importance of balance and to consider other practical factors before making a decision. There are consequences in every choice we make, so it is best to assess how a certain decision will affect all other aspects especially the people under your care. This is why discernment is necessary to align everything under God’s will. I hope this short message speaks volumes to whatever you are going through right now. Allow God to speak and may His constant love grant you assurance and peace. Rest in His love, O restless heart Listen to what the Spirit imparts “One at a time,” gently He speaks May you find peace as you seek. Please follow and like us: