My time

I am in the midst of learning a very painful spiritual truth. Beneficial and necessary for my sanctification, but painful none the less. I am learning to ask God permission before I give away my time and energy outside my home. I am at a place of emotional and physical exhaustion, and I have no one to blame but myself!
Looking back, I can see that even my best of intentions for overcommitting myself were at least slightly tinged with sin. Pride, looking to others for approval and selfishness all drive me to say "yes" before I pray. The result is weariness, bitterness and even a little anger.
My husband gave me the very best advice this morning, showing me once again how very blessed I am to walk through life with him. As I literally was crying on his shoulder, he said, "You need to go upstairs and spend time with the Lord. Not just reading the Word, but really praying. It will all work itself out once you've done that." Of course, he was right. Although, "working itself out" sometimes mean God showing us our sin. Ouch. But I am so thankful. I am thankful for the time with Jesus. I am thankful that I am forgiven. I am thankful for his Word, that encourages and guides me. I found this quote this morning that I love:

"Our security lies not in our faithfulness, but in the faithfulness of God and His Word…..
So our faithfulness is not the ground of our confidence; rather, our confidence is the ground of our faithfulness."
–Douglas Wilson in Back to Basics