"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

The other night I tossed and turned until close to midnight.  I had a "to-do" list that felt longer than the Nile River and twice as deep.  I finally climbed out of bed and worked until almost 4 a.m.  The next day wasn't nearly so stressful thanks to those four hours of hard work with no interruption, but I'm still sleepy. days later.

What bothers me is not the fact that I had an especially full week, but wondering if the things I poured myself into will have lasting value.  Am I listening to the Lord as I choose where to put my time?

Sometimes every need I hear feels like a personal call to action.  Pulled in a million directions, I struggle with where to put my time and energy.

In my efforts to trust God as I serve Him I've clung to scriptures like Philippians 4:13 which says that Christ will give me strength to do all things and 2 Timothy 3:17 that says God will equip me for every good work.  While the Lord promises to give us strength and ability for the work He wants us to do, there is a danger in focusing on these thoughts without balancing them with Jesus' own example of taking time for rest and renewal.

Jesus often took time for himself, going to a quiet place to pray.  He also enjoyed time with friends, eating in their homes and just hanging out with the ones He loved. Scripture shows Him seeking the Father's direction on when and how to tackle each task.

A good friend once told me, "The need is not the call." Yet, often I find myself chasing after more needs than I can keep up with, my stress level mounting, and my joy draining away, drip by drip, as I give without wisdom.

My dad used to tell me, "All work and no play makes Paula a dull girl." I chuckle a little at the memory of the old cliché, but recognize the voice of my Father in it as well.  I don't believe my Creator shaped the splendor of a night sky, the delicate beauty of a flower, or the delighted smile of a child so that I would work without taking time to enjoy them.  Beyond that, I want my work to have eternal significance.  I can dive into good works with the greatest intention, give to the point of exhaustion, and still not do anything that will have value for eternity.  I don't want to spin my wheels doing things that don't really matter.

Sometimes a big assignment at the church seems like the most important choice, but what if God would rather me stay home, love on my kids, and build a relationship that will help them trust His heart of love?

It's only through the guidance of His Holy Spirit that I know which calls to answer.  Ephesians 2:10 tells me I am God's own workmanship, created for His purposes and that He has work He planned, long ago, for me to do.  That's the work I want to be about.

"Father, as I gain confidence in Your power, which equips me for every good work, attune my ears to Your sweet guiding whisper. I want to choose those tasks that will have lasting value, those You prepared in advance for me to do."

~ A mother of four, Paula Moldenhaer is passionate about God's grace and intimacy with Jesus. Her website offers book reviews, home schooling hints, and a free weekly devotional.  Soul Scents.  Subscribe to Soul Scents at www.soulscents.us.  Visit her blog at www.gracereign.blogspot.com.  Contact Paula at Paula@soulscents.us.