The past week or so I have felt the pressure. There has been a lot going on with our ministry and myself personally. Just like an emotional roller coaster, I can feel the highs and lows of the day. I can feel myself wanting to lash out at someone, shut down or even just crawl back into bed. Unfortunately, those aren’t the best options for keeping my job. Here are some things I have used to help deal with some of the pressure I have felt.

1. When I was a teacher I started to make “not-to-do lists.” These lists consisted of those 4-5 tasks that are not priorities. They can wait until a later date or I can delegate them to someone else. I can find some margin in my day and take a sigh of relief that it isn’t all on me.
2. There are three verses that constantly come to mind when I am under pressure. (Ecclesiastes 4:6, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 11:28-30)I just take a moment, listen to a worship song, say a prayer, read through those verses and connect with God.
3. What is most important for that day and for that week. Get those things taken care of. Go through the priority list, get organized and just start doing them. I have often found that I can just sit and make lists but I need to start doing things more.

Taking a minute out of a crazy day to organize yourself and get connect with God can flip a day completely around. I have found that I am more productive and engaged in what is happening. Even though I put the weight of the world on my shoulders, the truth is it isn’t.