Have you ever had a week so stuffed to the brim that it felt like you didn’t even have time to breathe?
I live a full life on a regular basis. Always have. Whether I was a teenager involved in every activity I could fit into my schedule or a young mom chasing three children while coordinating a MOPS group and VBS, I have always stayed busy.
For a short season of my life, I worked a part-time job that I loved supplementing my income by teaching Chinese children online, working as a business office manager, and helping with catering. I remember thinking I just wanted one full-time job instead of so much hodge-podge.
Well, I got my full-time job, and now I spend my time serving on the Special Events Committee for the Chamber, acting as President of Rotary, serving in my church, and randomly helping wherever I’m needed.
It wasn’t until this past week, packed absolutely full, that I noticed the pattern. Apparently, I have an answer to Mary Oliver’s poetic question, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Just like this incredibly full week, I plan to fill my precious life with the service and people I love.
We met my son’s girlfriend and cherished four days of getting to know her, culminating in celebrating her upcoming birthday. I planted flowers and worked in the yard. In the early morning hours, I snuck in some house cleaning. I led a Rotary meeting takeover and helped my daughter make dinner for the family. In between, I watched my grandsons, set up the camper for summer, went to a movie, and attended graduation receptions. Not to mention, I put in my 40 hours at work and prepared a sermon for church.
Whew! I’m tired just typing it, yet smiling the whole time. What a wild life!
I know some prefer a much slower pace. Others enjoy staying home far more than I do. And honestly, I have moments for that too. But when I look back over the course of my life, I realize that I feel most satisfied and fulfilled when I’m serving, helping, being productive, and caring for the people I love.
Next week may slow down, and I’ll still cherish every moment of this full one. For me, the key is embracing it all while remembering to breathe. Like Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”