Overcoming the Overwhelm: Sunday Grace Notes
Are you searching for ways to overcome the overwhelm in your life? Here is a dose of hope in this Sunday Grace notes edition.
Last night, I reached my limit after a long day filled with fail after fail after fail.
And I came undone.
All that polished, poised, put-together façade that I try to live under escaped me and every single bit of my ugly character was revealed.
Overcoming the Overwhelm
Okay, so maybe I’m being a bit dramatic. But this is what I felt deep within my soul.
It was very much like Psalm 142 David wrote while he was in a cave.
I cry out to the Lord; I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before Him; I tell my trouble before Him. When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! … Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name!
Psalm 142: 1-7, ESV
As I have shared with you, this year came to a screeching halt when we received the news that Trent needed to undergo open heart surgery.
We entered into this battle with confidence knowing that rough days were ahead.
But when we posted the news of Trent’s surgery, I didn’t share one thing with you.
What I didn’t tell you
This past summer, Trent and I both felt the Lord called us to something bigger. To make this website more reflective of our God with a specific addition.
We knew we needed to pursue creating a podcast sharing tips on creating a happy home and the heart behind it. I mean, shouldn’t the people who have a recording studio in their home create a podcast?
It was kind of a – DUH! moment for both of us.
I was on track to make huge changes in my personal life, considering leaving my part time job to go all in on Noting Grace and launch our podcast.
But then we got the devastating news.
It was like driving at 100 mph and suddenly screeching to a halt.
All our plans stopped on Aug 29th when the blockages were found.
Since then, we’ve been reeling, fighting, and concentrating on getting Trent fully recovered.
Yesterday was 6 weeks from Trent’s surgery and I was absolutely horrendous toward him when all that overwhelm overcame me.
What happened yesterday
I’m almost ashamed to admit it, because it shows my selfish spirit. Let me paint a picture.
I started the day filled with plans to at least get back into the game.
My to do list was made and I had laser focus.
The first hiccup came, but I stayed cool and collected and moved on.
Then the next one, and next one showed up and I started to unravel a bit.
But, I finally got into the project I planned to tackle, and was faced with 3 more hurdles and fails that left me in tears at 10:00 at night.
But did I stop there?
Nope.
I called Trent into my office to share my woes, only to unleash on him and point out his lack of contribution.
And I did all this while he is recovering from one of the most dangerous surgeries anyone could have. They stopped and restarted his heart, and I’m coming at him for his lack of help.
I was overcome by the overwhelm of…well…me not getting MY way. MY stuff got interrupted and when I finally got to it, everything I tried to do failed.
We went to bed in calm silence but with a long hug and whispers of I’m sorries and I love yous to start the fence mending.
Weariness can magnify our emotions which then magnifies our stress and all the complications that come with it.
But there’s hope
Have you ever felt this way?
That’s a silly question, because I know, all of us have had at least one day filled with struggles and trials.
Whenever we face a challenge, in God, we are never alone.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.
…be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.
1 Peter 5: 7, 9-10 NLT
Only the sweet promises from our God can lift us above the weight and cares of this world.
His word and promises speak louder than any temporary circumstance we may face.
We all have moments of exhaustion and overwhelm.
Knowing His promises of restoration, support and strength can help get our minds back on track and empower us to get through the struggle we face.
Paul wrote in Romans, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Rom 12:2 NLT
Sometimes, it’s just that small change of thought that can shift our attitude.
Sunday Grace Notes
As we enter into the holiday season, I’m excited to announce the launch of Sunday Grace Notes.
This will be a weekly dose of hope for you. A short nugget that will help you through the week.
Posts won’t be as long as this one, but I’ve had a lot to share since our post about Trent’s surgery.
And if you have read this far – bless you!
I also plan to share the behind the scenes here at Noting Grace which will include upcoming projects, some of my favorite finds, as well as what’s happening with our family.
We are so thankful for each of you who follow along with our happenings here at home. My prayer is that you will find joy and inspiration in the things we create. We couldn’t do this without you!
- Abundance Not Scarcity – Yr 1 Wk 7
- That Time I Was Redeemed – Sunday Grace Notes – Yr 1 Wk 6
- The Fixer Upper Christian – Sunday Grace Notes – Yr 1 Wk 5
- Trusting God in the Deserts of our Life – Sunday Grace Notes – Yr 1 Wk 4
- God Does Give You More Than You Can Handle – Sunday Grace Note – Yr 1 Wk 3
- Tackling Worries and Sunday Grace Notes – Year 1 Week 2
- Overcoming the Overwhelm: Sunday Grace Notes – Year 1 Week 1
I am so glad that this encouraged you! It’s hard to share the raw truth sometimes, but I know that He will use our filthy rags for His glory.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It truly means so much to have a loyal reader!
Thank you for that refreshing honesty….I know that is not always easy. I truly appreciate that you took the time to not just share it but you also told us how you ultimately helped your heart via the truth of God’s word. Only His word can refresh our hearts and minds. Thank God, literally, that His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness to us (me)!
Thank you, Kim, for taking a moment to share this with me! It touches my heart more than you could know!
Thank you so much, Sonya! God is so very good!
Hi Jill! And welcome to Noting Grace! I am so glad you are here and am even more pleased to hear from you. I watched my father battle cancer for 25 years (and beat it BTW!) so I know how you are feeling as he wasn’t the best at putting his health first. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with me and I hope it blesses other readers as much as it has me!
Oh Elizabeth! Thank you! God is so very merciful towards us and we are rejoicing in these blessings!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this! I’m eager to share more!
Thank you, Leslie!
Helen – these are sweet words! Thank you for praying for Trent – that means the world to us both!
Oh thank you, Kelly! You are such a dear friend and I have so appreciated your prayers!
Thank you so much, Karolyn! I needed that reassurance, as I’m sure someone else in my shoes does as well. Thank you for taking the time to share such encouraging words!
Don’t beat yourself up over what you called selfish feelings. When a person is on high alert for that length of time with that type of stress, it has to come to a screeching halt one day. God gave you the strength to deal with Trent’s heart issues long enough for him to be on the mend, and then he knew you needed that meltdown to get yourself healthy, too. Can’t wait to get your new posts on Sunday Grace Notes…He definitely has a plan for you and you’re acknowledging the next step with your Sunday Notes…be kinder to yourself and I’m really glad Trent is on the mend..
Hugs my friend! I’ve been there too and the Lord is always so gracious with us isn’t he? I know He has big plans for you both, and sometimes the waiting can be so hard. Excited for your Sunday Grace notes!!! Love you lots!
Your post is very inspiring and brings peace to me and many others who may be facing challenges! We all have breaking points but the greatest part is knowing GOD and his promises for us. We are his children and HE loves us. I pray your husband recovers fully. Your upcoming podcasts will be a blessing to me and many others.
God loves you always!
Beautifully written. Looking forward to Sunday Grace Notes.
God bless your transparency and authenticity. Yes, we have all been there in our own situations and God is so full of grace towards us! Praying for you both. May God bless your new endeavors!💕
This is my first visit to Noting Grace & I was very pleased. You know I sometimes say “Misery loves company.” I have been in a similar position. My husband (who smokes cigarettes) had a nodule shoe up while in the ER for colitis. We found a surgeon in St. Louis who removed quickly & it was cancer. God blessed him with no treatments needed as all cancer was removed. I am so concerned because he “couldn’t” quit smoking. He has to go every 3 months to monitor anything coming back. Bless you for sharing, because I have had the same thing in losing temper. Lots of folks have no idea what caretakers go through. God’s blessings to you & your husband. I will return to read your Noting Grace.
Jill Nordin
May the lord continue to give you all the strength and comfort you need.
Thank you for sharing your story but more importantly the scriptures.