Pace Yourself

Well... here I sit... reflecting on the title of this message and watching the "pace" of those around me. Cars driving by, people on bikes, people pausing to read signs, people eating and walking, reading and walking, talking and walking... the list goes on!! Everyone however, at a different speed! Some taking their time, some in a hurry...and this is where I have been struggling lately.... trying to hurry, trying to squeeze in meetings, make time for friends, picking up extra shifts at work, video chatting with my family.... Where is all my time going.... 

As I walked around the park the other morning, (or raced, rather) listening to music, and pouring my heart out to God... I could feel that I was pushing myself too hard. I was tryin' to "power house" my way around the trail. I slowed down and said, "Ok pace yourself Casandra" and God said, "This is exactly what your problem is..." Well duh, I thought... I know... I'm pushing too hard...I need to slow down... but then He said, "I'm not talking about exercise!" HA!!! Well of course He wasn't... He was referring to the fact that I don't pace myself everyday... I don't allow myself time to breathe, and I "power house" my way through each day.
I got to thinking about how ridiculous and yuck I feel when I don't pace myself in exercise and how it relates to my life. When I'm going through the trail or at the gym and I'm pushing too hard I need to hydrate more often, I'm not as focused, I wear out faster, and ridiculous part is that I hate feeling like I have to breathe with my mouth open to get the air I need....

Pausing once again in my heart as I walked, I thanked God for using this analogy and showing me... this is what I have been doing for weeks. I get worried about money so I pick up extra hours, I get frustrated with my schedule because I can't say no then complain I'm at work... ALL THE TIME!!! (I'm not getting "hydrated"/spending enough with the Lord, cause I'm at work) I get in a hurry to get things done at the end of my shift and forget things, either at work or home because I'm constantly trying to remember if I got it all done. (VERY not focused) I run all day going to meetings and trying to "fit it all in" that by the time my weekend comes and I have time to do what I want, I'm worn out!! This all then leads to me with my mouth open (figuratively)... once again... trying to catch my breath!! (By the way... When you're outside in nature with your mouth open, bugs can get in... but in life, when you've got your mouth open... "bugs" can get out.... when you're worn down, not focused and lacking hydration, you tend to say things you shouldn't!!)

So....having said all of that, I made the decision to PACE myself!! I'm asking God of course to help me and praying that He meets my needs. I know I can't get through life on my own, I've tried. And clearly I can't get through it by "power housing" my way through the day then begging him to help me with the last leg.... I feel like in making a conscious effort to pay closer attention, and slow down a bit I will have a renewed joy, a new sense of self, and be a better witness for Christ.

Take it from me folks... a bug in the mouth is gross.... I write these blogs for a reason!!!! HAHAHA!!! :)

Entertaining Angels

Well... this will be a brief entry. One of exhortation you might say; but a lesson learned for me this week.
As I was leaving Hy Vee the other day, I noticed a tiny frail woman going through the crosswalk at a snail's pace. She looked at me and I can't put words to the expression in her eyes... solemn perhaps... nonetheless I had one hand full of groceries, the other hand toted my purse and phone, texting away of course, making arrangements to meet one of my girlfriends for lunch. Her expression changed a bit... maybe to worried as she saw that she was holding up traffic to cross the street. I kept looking back at her, knowing in my heart I was supposed to be helping her. I looked down at all the stuff in my hands and wavered as I was almost to my car. "Go back Casandra, you know she needs help.....My hands are full, how am I gonna help her" I kept this up in my mind as I continued on to my car. Once I set everything down in my car and turned to walk back I saw that she was already inside.... "Wow... Way to go" I said to myself..... and immediately this scripture from Hebrews came to my mind,  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Heb. 13:2)
I managed to biff an opportunity. (Not that I'm looking everyday to entertain an angel or anything... ) I pray all the time that God would give me opportunities to give of myself and help others, this time it was staring me in the face I managed to have EXCUSES! I was disappointed with myself and sat in my car apologizing to God and asking for forgiveness... in that moment, though I was beating myself up, I realized the weakness of the flesh... I realized how mundane life is... my friend would have waited for me, (I wait for her frequently haha) the restaurant would have still been standing, I would not have gone hungry, my phone could have gone to my purse or pocket for 2 minutes.... I would have made a good choice, I would have done good for the Kingdom.....
I realize I sound like I'm being a bit hard on myself but please understand my point. We live in a world where our phones, friends, appointments, and LIFE get in the way of LIVING!! WE get in the way of ourselves sometimes. We have constant stimulus around us all the time, we are constantly distracted, and it's no wonder we have a hard time with scripture like, "Pray without ceasing" or "do not give the devil an opportunity", or "be kind to one another". We are too busy... too busy to notice who needs help, too busy to talk to God throughout our day... so this week... I'm working on keeping my eyes open, keeping my spirit in check, listening to God... Will I miss other opportunities, yes I'm sure... but will I continue to press on... yes!! This is how we grow... Here's to entertaining angels.