SELAH

Whenever I get too busy I always end up thinking of the word Selah. It is used 74 times in the bible with the majority of it being used in psalms. I was taught that Selah means break, or rest, or pause. I think God puts this in my mind to remind me to rest, break and pause.
In my life I don't have much. At least I think I have it pretty easy compared to the rest of the population. The population that has kids, that struggle to make ends meet, that work full time and come home and continue to work full time. Those that are trying to meet deadlines, and complete project, or complete homework. I have a job that I truly enjoy and love. I am good at my job and nobody can deny that I have a way with children and something magical can happen.
Because of this thought process I usually end up doing to much. I end up not taking breaks. I think to myself I can do this, if they can do it with all that they have then I can do it. My week is filled with going to work and constantly being on, my brain works over time to address specific issues with this kids, to write IEPs, to make deadlines, to fill out paperwork and to manage and address concerns from staff and parents. Then I come home and I make dinner, or I have more work to do, or I have church, and I actually just signed up for softball. There are days when its 8:00 and I think to myself where did my day go. Even though I enjoy doing all these things I am naturally an introvert. My perfect day is work, come home, make dinner and paint. My perfect weekend is to just paint, go on a bike ride and breath. Do I want weekends like this every week of course not because as a servant of God I desire to be in relationship with others. I desire to see my sister, brother-in-law and nephews, I desire to go out and watch movies, I have a desire to catch up with friends. Sometimes though I forget about finding the balance and find myself drained. When I am drained that's when I become overly sensitive about things. That's when I can start breaking down. That's when I take things too seriously and that's when I really am just tired. But I am constantly telling myself other people can do this. Other people are always helping others, or others are coming home and working with their own children. But then again they are not me and I am not them.
So how can we find balance?
I am reminded by my heavenly father everyday that everyone is unique and everyone's path is different. I am reminded that I am no good to anyone if I am too tired or just giving 50%. I am reminded by my husband to relax. I am reminded by my sister that she is grateful for any help I can give but to not over extend. I am reminded by my family, communication is important and to be honest. I am reminded by all my friends to just take it easy.
I am blessed to have a husband who will help me. Who understands me. I am blessed to have friends that understand we all have lives but that doesn't mean our relationships should suffer. Some weekends I need to remember to say no, I need some time. Some days I need to shut off my computer and brain and go home on time. For my own mental health I need to remember to spend time with myself and my father in heaven.
I am reminded to have Selah. Selah. Break, pause, rest.