Spread Too Thin - The Disappearing Act (Part Deux)

Spread Too Thin - The Disappearing Act (Part Deux)

REST IS THE mind-and-body stage of cocooning. During the first couple of weeks, I had rested my mind from thinking and then begun filling it with new perspectives by reading books and other material recommended to me. Once my foggy state of mind began to clear and my hormones began to stabilize, it was time to begin the more formal process of cocooning. The heart work came next: it was time to renew.

During the renewal cycle, I reflected on what was working in my life and what was not. As I thought back on the past twelve months and considered those things that worked well in our marriage, with our finances, in our business, and in our family, I knew what actions I wanted to repeat. Likewise, I found some room for improvement in every area of life. So the assessment also allowed me to consider those things that didn’t work.

Next I considered the only two things I can control—my thoughts and my actions. How was I doing? This part of the renewal process is always hard for me, because I quickly realize that I often do not live a life of grace. When I’m spread too thin, I tend to become harsh and judgmental.

When renewing our hearts, we must be gentle with ourselves; after all, no one is perfect. At the same time, to really make positive changes we must be honest so we can avoid repeating mistakes. Something as simple as acknowledging an unhealthy pattern or reaction can be a powerful tool in stopping the insanity of repeated mistakes.

Life assessment is not something most of us do without being prompted, but it is critical to intentionally living the life God has called you to live. When you’re so overwhelmed that you can no longer extend grace to others, it’s time for a break.

Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? (Romans 2:3-4)

Are you constantly disappointed by others? Are your expectations so high that when they fail, you judge them harshly? If you’re slow to forgive and move on, you might need to disappear for a few days to reflect on the grace that’s been extended to you.