The alarm goes off and it’s time to get up and start another day in this “jungle” we refer to as middle class America. Pay the bills, wash the car, mow the yard, get the groceries, make the beds, feed the dog, for heaven’s sake the cat’s are making picket signs, there is piano after school for one child and basketball for another, gas prices are sky high, probably need to try and get second job; not to mention the relationships we try to foster and feed, nurture somehow in spite of this never ending to do list. There is so much to do in one day. Those are our thoughts often before our feet even hit the floor. It’s overwhelming to say the least. Do you think times like these and a life this stretched can drain you until you are fully spent? If you allow it to, yes it can and it most certainly will.

As a single mom of two teenagers, one preteen, one grown daughter, one house, one car, a dog, four cats, and several goldfish to care for plus I am operating in full time ministry, ETC. I have a battle on my hands before we got past the two teenagers. Who by the way both have their driving permits. “I am a woman of faith and that not by choice!” I have been down on the ropes so hard and so far when I looked up I saw the canvas. Have you ever felt the drudgery of one more day on planet earth? There is nothing new under the sun. Every day is the same. Day in and day out; responsibility, relationships, pressure, and tension are likely to define most every moment. Calgon can’t even take you away.

In this constant state of stress we all can experience each day, what can we do to NOT “just survive”; is it possible to experience peace, fulfillment and true contentment?

Hopefully, there are a few things I am learning that will encourage you.