Zooweemammaaaaaa!
Boy was this month packed full of goodness- to be fully transparent so much so, that I was often overwhelmed. A quick trip through my camera roll reminded me of several things I had the opportunity to experience this month. I attended concerts, spent weekends at the lake, befriended 6th grade girls at youth group, had mid-week date nights (huge after 3 years of long distance), ran around the state fair, enjoyed the outdoors, and booled around with the fellows. These are just things that I have photo evidence of and doesn't include all the time we’ve spent in meaningful conversation with another, or the days at work being pushed to serve others better, or mornings in class that have broadened my perspectives and understanding of life on this side of heaven
That word overwhelm is an interesting one to me as I’ve felt it take on several different forms throughout my days this month alone. Some upon hearing me express feelings of overwhelm may immediately be reminded of God's overwhelming love. A love that is free, faithful, total, and fruitful is overwhelming! Others may hear that same word and think of the list of to-dos that's bogging them down. My mind takes me to both places so I want to share how I would define being overwhelmed:
Experiencing an intensity or abundance of emotions, thoughts, or circumstances that exceeds one's ability to fully process or contain them in the moment. It can stem from feeling burdened by life's demands or from being deeply moved by an experience, emotion, or moment.
I've found that these two sides of feeling overwhelmed aren't always as separate as they might seem. Sometimes they coexist, even within the same day. I can feel overwhelmed by the fullness of my schedule, the expectations I've placed on myself, or the weight of trying to keep up with everything around me, while simultaneously feeling overwhelmed by how much goodness God has woven into my life. I'll be the first to admit that I'm still learning what to do with the former. What does it look like to bring those feelings to Jesus rather than letting them consume me?
I'm beginning to recognize that even in the moments when life feels overwhelming, God gently calls me near. And as I draw closer to Him, I'm reminded all over again of just how much goodness there is to be overwhelmed by.
Peace and love always,
Sofia
