Compounding Interest

Do you add more to your plate when you are already busy?

If there is something I am known for by those closest to me, it’s that I add more to my plate when I already have a full plate. This has been my pattern for most of my life, one for you and two for me. When I am at my busiest I get more done. Those things that I have overlooked for extended periods of time, I will sure enough check them off my list even though they are not necessary to do at that time. I am a master at compounded interests.

I take interest in helping others, and I will almost make it a mission to accomplish more for myself when I am not the priority.

Very recently, I found myself doing just this. I had committed to helping a lovely friend prep and decorate for her daughter's upcoming wedding. I was so excited about the transformations that were taking place in her space that I created a new project to change the space in my home. I was super excited, and when I ran these ideas by my husband, I was quickly grounded. I didn't like having push back on my plan. However, after sitting with his words for a while, I realized how full my plate was. My plan was not essential, it was not necessary. After praying and spending time with God, I began to remove these compounded interests from my plate. It was amazing how quickly I felt the weight drop after removing these unnecessary things. Having too much on our plates is detrimental to our health and wellbeing.

I slowly began to lighten my load. The transformation of my sleep patterns, my physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing changed drastically. And again, I had made God a priority. My mind was more clear. My thoughts were clearer, and I was able to receive His blessings throughout my days. I was no longer overwhelmed.

Compounded interest distracts us from staying focused on what is necessary, and what is good for us. We will miss the important moments in life, if we walk around with a heavy plate that is too full. The important moments will not fit on our plate because we will be too distracted.

It is so important to stay focused on the commitments we have made and not get distracted by human nature. We are called to love other's well, but we must remember to love ourselves in the process. This means managing what we put on our plate, and removing the excess that is not essential to our wellbeing.

“You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.“ -Job 11:18