The Definition of Overcommitted

I'm weary, drained, exhausted, and empty. It's about a month into the semester and I've had most of my first tests, school-work is picking up, and it seems like everyone wants my time and energy. I'm involved in church ministry, college ministry, a new network marketing job, and I'm taking 18 hours. EIGHTEEN HOURS. Y'all. I'm a senior, I don't have energy for this.

And it seems like all of my professors want me to devote ALL my time and energy into their class. Well. I have five classes, I can't have 5 times the amount of time, unfortunately. But if you could figure out a way to multiply my time (like Hermione and her time-turner), I'd be incredibly grateful. Not only am I in Physics (dear Lord, help me), but I'm in two upper level environmental science credits, and Capstone (research paper writing) and I'm finishing up my thesis. I don't have time.

I'm the definition of over-committed. Baylor's the definition of over-committed, but I've realized it in my personal life more so than just my Baylor life. It's not possible for me to be a full time student and to be involved in 5 extra-curricular activities. There's only 24 hours in the day, and currently I'm using up about 18 for school work and only 6 for sleep/eating. Prioritizing seems to be biased toward schoolwork, and I am incapable of committing the rest of my time to ministry/jobs/friends/etc.

So what made me participate in them in the beginning? What drove me to seek to be involved in EVERYTHING?

If I'm completely honest, I believe that it will give me meaning. If I'm involved in all these things, it must mean I'm important. That I'm needed. That I'm valued and significant to people. If my schedule is filled it must mean that people NEED me. Because I have things to do, and people to meet, I'm important.

My schedule determines my importance. If I'm always busy and always running around, I can say I mean something to someone/something. I'm striving for meaning. I'm trying to make myself important out of what I DO, not out of what I AM.

And what I am is LOVED. Redeemed. Rescued. Forgiven. I do not need to try so hard because I already am important to God. And because I'm important to Him, I can find meaning in seeking Him above the things of this world. In seeking Him through my school-work, in seeking Him through ministry, and in seeking Him in my daily life. I don't need to DO to be saved. Because I am.

This doesn't neglect the need to be involved in His work in this world. Christ calls us to be followers. To go into the world and extend His kingdom. But extend His kingdom with Him in mind, not on our own importance and meaning. Because He is what is important above all things of this world.




The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...He restores my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness, for HIS name's sake --Psalm 23:1,3