You can’t do it all: ‘ALL the time!’

By Marvie Marchbanks
Guest Columnist

Most of us love what we do. We get up early in the morning refreshed, given that we’ve had a pleasant night’s sleep. Then, normally the same routine--showers and baths, shaves and brush-ups of a few strokes of the hair, looking in the mirror confirming to ourselves the way our reflections make us look and feel.
Although that same mirror has no substance or the ability to speak a loving word before we do, it’s held in very high esteem. If we are not careful, we will even speak to it or ask a question of vanity as if we are expecting an answer. That’s got to be an ego thing.
Each one of us is uniquely different doing the familiar self-certifying things in private. We simply love doing our own thing before leaving home in the mornings.
Did anyone say prayer and breakfast? Sure, signs of a purpose-driven life. We become only fans advocating our own causes before stepping out to meet our endeavors.
But sometimes, you can’t do it all. Occasionally, something throws us from what seems like perfection. Your child gets sick, your pet has an accident or your spouse has numerous inquiries about personal concerns. Any of which could make you late for that first cup of coffee or best-friend socializing app.
Most people who are purpose-driven have a positive structure based on institutional foundations and routine empathetic protocols--a love of God, neighbors and self. It’s easy to entreat into a good work of faith, constantly multi-tasking.
But remember, you can’t do it all; “all the time!” The little hiccups we have around our homes pale in comparison to the responsibilities that are faced once the front door is opened and we step out meeting the challenges of the world.
Our jobs and careers are demanding and often high profile with little tolerance for mishaps. It’s in our nature to be proactive to every beckoning call even when we have retired. Some may say you’re a world beater. Some may say you’re a jack of all trades. Others may say you’re a professional.
But remember, you can’t do it all; “all the time!” No matter how talented you are, you must learn to direct, delegate and legislate--starting with the person standing in front of the mirror.
Often, we look better than what we have been going through. But don’t be fooled by the person standing in front of the mirror. Only you can determine when to retreat physically and mentally from the beckoning calls of family and friends.
If we love and respect ourselves, it would be good to listen to those around us. Those who see us in a different light. Those who see us when we are not standing in the mirror. Those who see us when we have passed the potential of the day and those who greet us when returning home.
I am talking about those who love us and see us on a daily basis much like Jethro during the time Moses was leading the children of Israel to the promised land. Exodus 18:17-18 (17) Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good.” (18) You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”
 Like Moses, we too can be overwhelmed in good and faithful works and must be relieved from doing it all; “all the time.”
Believe it or not, once you start listening to those who love you enough to speak up about your situation privately--which may be something new to us all--the sooner you will probably be called a rookie with a promising future.