So Much To Do (Episode 5)

                                               

There is so much to do and so little time is a common phrase framing feelings of frustration, or fear of failure of falling short, or of being overwhelmed.  

This last week we both saw the edge of the precipice of the overwhelmed.  There is SO much to do.  

Our work never ends.  There is not an end to the work day, as the work can come in from multiple time zones.  Each new communication can require far more than a response.  Rather, they often trigger a new process or project that involves a seemingly geometric growth of tasks.  We find ourselves working each day until we just need to go to bed and rest so we can continue the next day.

Elder Wada counseled us to "take" a day off.  We don't have a scheduled P-Day to take off and prepare ourselves for the next week.  We have to find time to recharge our batteries and "prepare every needful thing" for our physical needs and surroundings.

We just have to find and fit in time to relax, feel gratitude, and joy in the great blessings we experience each day from serving our God and others.      

While we are not in Japan yet, we are grateful to be on this beautiful garden like island.  We blocked off a couple of hours Saturday to go to Gun Beach. (Thank you Sarah for the recommendation).  We observed this beautifully and bright-blue colored Star Fish as it moved around in the shallow waters.  

 We are grateful for having so many other missionary couples serving close by.  We are grateful for the developing friendships with these other great missionaries.  We set a time to get out and have a meal together and took this picture afterwards.

We also set aside an evening to go Christmas Caroling to neighbors and friends.  It was heart warming to have families come out of their apartments to sit and listen to us sing.  It was fun to have a few young local men come and sing with us and feel the joy of Christ in this season of remembering Him.  After singing O Holy Night together one of the young men declared, "I felt it, I felt it right here while we were singing", as he pointed to his abdomen.

What a gift to watch music light the world of others during this special season.

Yes, there is a lot to do to keep the work moving forward.  There is also a lot of joy in doing that work, and joy in taking time to count and appreciate our blessings this Christmas Season.  It is a special thing to remember that oh so Holy Night -  "...the night of our dear Savior's brith".   

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,  good will toward men" (Luke 2:14).